Shorten promises PNG trip first as PM

Bill Shorten would make his first overseas trip as prime minister a visit to neighbour Papua New Guinea.

Bill Shorten has promised to use his first overseas trip if elected prime minister to visit neighbour Papua New Guinea.

The opposition leader is in the region meeting with officials including PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill to signal the importance his country would carry under a Labor government.

During his meeting with Mr O'Neill on Monday, Mr Shorten pledged to make PNG his first overseas trip if Labor wins the next election due in 2016.