Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commemorates Anzac Day at dawn service in Papua New Guinea

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has commemorated Anzac Day at a dawn service in Papua New Guinea after finishing walking the Kokoda Track with his PNG counterpart James Marape.

Mr Albanese honoured the sacrifice of those who served along the mountainous trail, as well as those who served in other conflicts.

“Anzac Day has never asked us to exalt in the glories of war,” he said at a dawn service at the Isuvara Memorial.

“Anzac Day asks us to stand against the erosion of time and to hold on to their names, to hold on to their deeds.”

Mr Albanese hiked parts of the Kokoda Track where 625 people were killed and more than a thousand wounded during the World War II campaign.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also paid tribute, saying Australian and New Zealand soldiers exemplified bravery, mateship and endurance.

“On this sacred day, we honour the memories of the more than 103,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

Liberal MP Phil Thompson, a former soldier who was named Anzac of the Year in 2016, said it was a day of reflection amid the current global tensions.

While service personnel and the community got together at pubs and enjoyed the game of two-up each year, it was important to acknowledge those who had died while enjoying the day with mates, Mr Thompson said.

“When I’m at the RSL or pub I buy two beers, one for myself and one for my mates who paid the ultimate sacrifice and that sits on the table and they have a seat,” he told AAP.

“When you’re out and laughing and having fun and you’re with your mates, you’re still remembering and reflecting.

“They would want that.”

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