The Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Member for Lae Open, Mr. John Rosso on behalf of the people of Lae city, the business community and stakeholders, congratulated the Australian Government and its people on celebrating Australia Day recently on Friday 26th January. Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia share a bilateral relationship spanning pre-independence till today. Mr. Rosso stressed that Lae city and the Morobe province appreciates Australia as being the biggest supporter through the Australia-PNG Partnership. “We are grateful for the support of the Australia- PNG Partnership in the areas of education, sports and cultural exchange as well as the Angau Hospital Redevelopment, Lae Seaport Development, Lae Main Market Redevelopment Project, Lae Labor Mobility Program, the Hand- Up Program, Junior Rugby League development. And the Partnership between the Australian Federal Police and Australian Defense Force.” Furthermore, he applauded and congratulated the Australian Prime Minister Anthon Albanese and his Administration for recognizing Australia’s first nations people, who have a common cultural heritage with the people of PNG. “We consider our relationship with the Australian Government and people to be a true blessing and we look forward to working together going forward,” said Mr. Rosso.