PNG PRIME MINISTER Peter O’Neill, will inspect the site of the proposed Rabaul and Montevideo Maru memorial in Canberra next Tuesday.

Mr O’Neill is to spend an hour at the Australian War Memorial as part of a two-day official visit to Australia next week.

His scheduled visit to the AWM at 3pm on Tuesday will include an official welcome, a wreath laying and an inspection of the site of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Memorial.

President of the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society, Phil Ainsworth, is encouraging members of the Society and NGVR/PNGVR Association members in the Canberra area to attend.

At the site, Mr O’Neill will receive a briefing about progress towards establishing the memorial from Andrea Williams, Don Hook and Mr Ainsworth.

The prime minister is also expected to make a donation on behalf of the PNG government to the Society as a contribution to the memorial.

“This will be a very significant gesture to Australia and the Society,” Mr Ainsworth said.