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PNG on a more stable footing

By Julie Bishop - posted Thursday, 2 August 2012


That would be a welcome development in a country that has struggled to deal with corruption and its Wantok system, which are often intertwined.

While the Wantok system is a valued social security safety net for many Papua New Guineans, it places pressure on people in positions of power and influence to provide favourable treatment and money to members of their community.

While many tribal cultures have a belief in sharing, if there are no checks and balances to protect the people who take on senior roles within the government, the judiciary and the police for example, they can be subject to pressure to compromise their responsibility to work towards equality of opportunity for all members of PNG society.

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Establishing a robust framework including an anti-corruption watchdog will act not only to deter corrupt behaviour, but also provide a shield against unreasonable demands under the Wantok system.

PNG is a country of huge potential and is on the cusp of reshaping its destiny, through the benefits derived from mining and resource developments.

Massive LNG projects are underway that will provide the government with a huge boost to its revenues.

This will enable the nation to develop economic and social infrastructure that will hopefully underpin the acceleration of development across PNG.

New roads, bridges and educational institutions for example will support greater economic diversity and harness the natural energy and enthusiasm of the PNG people.

Australia must ensure that it moves on from the traditional stereotypes of PNG and that we embrace it as a full economic partner.

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While PNG will continue to be one of the largest recipients of Australia’s foreign aid budget, this will decline in relative importance to PNG, as its overall economy grows.

The ultimate goal of our aid program should be to do itself out of a job.

That means supporting economic growth opportunities so that in the longer term PNG no longer requires foreign aid.

Australia can do much to support PNG’s future growth, as a key Pacific nation and as a partner and close friend, by fostering its economic and social growth.

The future of relations between our two countries should be viewed in that light, and be based on mutual trust and understanding.

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About the Author

Julie Bishop is the Federal Member for Curtin, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs.

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