PNG bans Australians from traveling to Bougainville

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) government announced Monday that Australians have been banned from traveling to the autonomous region of Bougainville.

PNG's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Rimbink Pato said the ban on all Australian passport holders on tourist and short-term visa would take effect immediately.

"I have instructed the Chief Migration Officer to impose the ban with immediate effect and to notify all PNG Overseas Missions and Posts and domestic carriers of the ban," he said in a statement.

All diplomats and foreign government officials will also need to gain permission from the Department of Foreign Affairs before traveling to Bougainville.

His response comes amid continued diplomatic fallout between the two countries over the announcement of Australia's plan to build a diplomatic mission on the autonomous Island.

Elections in Bougainville are currently underway to elect representatives that will negotiate the wording and date of the referendum, due to take place in the next five years.

However, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, said she had discussed the Bougainville diplomatic mission with the PNG Government during her visit in December 2014.

"Australia's High Commissioner also formally advised the PNG Government of the intention to announce a diplomatic presence in Buka, in consultation with the PNG Government, in the lead up to the 2015 Budget," Bishop said in a statement to Fairfax Media.

According to Fairfax Media, Bishop has sent a senior DFAT official to PNG in response to questions about the ban.

"I am continuing my engagement with the PNG Government at the highest levels," Bishop said. Endi