Whether more Australian police are sent to Papua New Guinea will depend on the effort made by the government in Port Moresby.
Australia currently has 14 police officers working as advisors with the PNG police.
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Richard Marles, says Canberra is considering sending more officers after law and order issues in PNG were raised when the prime ministers of both countries met earlier this month.
He says the PNG government recognises their police have historically been under-resourced and this is why it's sought Australian support.
But Mr Marles says Australian assistance is contingent on the PNG government also providing more resources.
"And we understand that that's what they will do and they understand that that's the basis on which we're offering support. But I think it's very encouraging that the government in Port Moresby is wanting to tackle this issue and within the resources that we able to provide we are keen to provide what support we can."
Australia's Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, Richard Marles.
