Papua New Guineas influential Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina has been charged with assault following an alleged domestic dispute in Australia, according to court documents.

Police said a 31-year-old woman was allegedly attacked in Sydney by a 58-year-old man who was known to her on Saturday morning local time.

Mr Maladina was granted conditional bail ahead of a court appearance on 11 July.

In a statement, he said he was aware of the recent media reports and was cooperating with the authorities to address this matter.

I understand the gravity of this situation and the concerns it raises, said Mr Maladina.

As a public servant, I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally.

I want to make it clear that violence in any form is unacceptable, and I am committed to handling this situation with integrity and transparency.

Police said the woman who was allegedly attacked had suffered facial injuries.

Mr Maladina became Papua New Guineas petroleum minister earlier this year and is a key adviser to President James Marape.

He is heavily involved in the countrys lucrative project to commercialise its natural gas resources. (BBC: Text, Excluding Headline)