PORT VILA, OCTOBER 8 – The Public Solicitors’ Offices in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea are deepening their cooperation through a new twinning initiative designed to strengthen access to justice across Melanesia

This partnership will enhance professional development, expand opportunities for staff exchanges, and build regional solidarity around shared challenges, knowledge and values.

Vanuatu’s Acting Public Solicitor Jane Tari welcomed the initiative, describing it as an invaluable training opportunity for her staff to learn directly from their counterparts in PNG.

“By sharing systems, experiences, and training, we can strengthen our office, expand access to justice, and contribute to a more connected Melanesian legal community,” said Ms Tari.

Public Solicitors play a vital role in defending human rights and providing legal advice and representation in criminal, civil, and family law matters—particularly for vulnerable communities. In Vanuatu, the Office of the Public Solicitor works to ensure that legal services are accessible to all.

Australia is supporting the initiative through the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Partnership. An Australian adviser is assisting with the reforms and facilitating the sharing of insights in case management, ICT, and governance systems.

Ms Emily Fisher, Acting Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu, said the support reflects Australia’s commitment to peer-to-peer learning and Melanesian-led training and secondments.

“Australia is proud to support this collaboration as part of our broader justice sector partnership with Vanuatu. It reflects our belief in the importance of building strong connections across Melanesia,” Ms Fisher said.

“By working together, our Pacific neighbours are finding solutions that strengthen justice systems and improve access to justice for all.”

Last month, two officers from Vanuatu—Glenn Talae and Senior Henzler Vira—were in PNG for hands-on exposure to PNG’s systems, facilities, and training programs. The visit is expected to pave the way for the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two Public Solicitors’ Offices later this year, under the Wantok Legal Network.

“This is just the beginning,” said Ms Tari. “Our next steps will expand opportunities for other Public Solicitors’ Offices in the Pacific to participate. As an interlinked network, these initiatives will help us build a sustainable, locally led model for training, mentoring, and regional cooperation.”