Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

On Monday 24 April 2017, following the departure of the Governor-General from Australia on a State Visit to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the proclamation assuming the Administration of the Government of Australia was signed by the Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC.

Afterwards, at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby, the Governor-General, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), and Lady Cosgrove, attended a Ceremonial Welcome as guests of the Commander, Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo DMS CBE.

Later, at the Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove received a briefing by the Australian High Commissioner to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Mr Bruce Davis AM PSM.

Then, at Government House, Port Moresby, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with Governor-General of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Sir Bob Dadae and Mrs Hannah Dadae.

In the afternoon, at the Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove attended a ceremony at which the Governor-General presented the relatives of the late Squadron Leader John Jackson DFC a set of his military service medals.

Afterwards, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with staff of the Office of Australian War Graves, trekkers and Bomana War Cemetery staff.

Later, at the Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, the Governor-General met with the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Honourable Peter O'Neill CMG MP, while Lady Cosgrove met with Mrs Lynda May Babao.

Then, at the Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove met with trekkers from Australian Federal Police Legacy, who had just completed the Kokoda Track.

In the evening, at Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, the Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove as guests of the Governor-General of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Mrs Dadae, attended a State Dinner.