DID AUSTRALIA EXPLOIT PAPUA NEW GUINEA?

In the speeches made in this country after the passing of GC Sir Michael Somare, we read that this country was exploited and abused by Australia. Is this true? It depends on where we are looking.

The people of this country were brought out of tribal warfare and killing of any villager who trespassed on neighbours land. 

Kiaps, police and missionaries brought a large measure of peace to the highlands that is declining in modern PNG. There are now reports of daily killing in villages.

The Foot report gave a somewhat exaggerated picture of the Australian commitment. There was law and order, education in schools with mainly expatriate teachers who brought a high level of English to education. The report wanted more university trained nationals.

The education system suffers today from a lack of expatriate teachers to raise the standard. 

A PNGDF was begun in the 1960s with a progressive increase in officer strength leading to the Commander as a national officer. 

Up to that time the last Australian commander was Brigadier Norrie. The officer training was increased probably partly with pressure from the United Nations. Technical training in Australia was soon to begin for PNGDF apprentices.

There was exploitation in the private sector with Australians abusing workers including men and women. Employees who spoke of independence were sacked by expatriate employers.

There was gross exploitation of workers on the plantations. They were slaves to Australian masters. Masta Mick Leahy killed many men from the villages and was furious about the upcoming independence. The video documentary should still be available.

There is still exploitation in modern PNG with Australian gay, lesbian and paedophile men and women seeking to turn this country into a homosexual love nest. 

The recent HIV/AIDS response was a disgraceful example of foreign bullying, lying and cheating. 

Even PNG doctors were discriminated against by Australian consultants who were mainly interested in having as much aid money banked in their accounts with as many unqualified friends brought up from Australia to share in the gravy train. Doctors were banned from public statements on HIV/AIDS.

GC Sir Michael Somare described how the independence activists of the 1960s were suppressed by the Australian administration. 

But there was still a thriving administrative college to lift skill among national officers set up in the late 60s. The military, corrective services and police training had started.

Australia has every reason to be proud of how it all turned out with the powerful support of Sir Michael Somare leading a team of patriots. We got it right in the end.

PNG is presently depending on Australia for COVID 19 vaccination and expertise of Australian doctors. The patrol boats are being armed. Massive aid money is provided annually.