Game plan needed on global goals

Australia needs a game plan to help countries in the region achieve new global goals to eliminate poverty, a peak aid group says.

The United Nations adopted 17 sustainable development goals to replace the expiring millennium development goals last year.

Australian Council for International Development chief executive Marc Purcell on Tuesday warned the federal government that it had to go beyond a "business as usual" approach.

"It's time for the Australian government to lift its game," he said.

More political will and leadership is needed.

Papua New Guinea achieved none of its eight millennium development goals.

Other Pacific island nations also struggled to reduce hunger because of a heavy dependence on food imports and food security being threatened by natural disasters.

The aid group is calling for a special unit in the prime minister's department focused on meeting the new goals.