A personal tribute to Grand Chief Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare the founding father of Papua New Guinea

The goodwill towards him that night I know moved him greatly.

That brings me to my final observation and it relates to his Cairns visit.

During his three terms as Prime Minister he had some differences with Australia. But overwhelmingly the post-independence period was marked by very warm, and I would argue, mutually beneficial, relations between the newly Independent nation and the former colonial power.

His children attended school in Australia and he was ever grateful for the good education they received. He enjoyed cordial relations with Australian Prime Ministers from Gough Whitlam, Malcolm Fraser and Bob Hawke to John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.

In my own discussions with him – especially when I would take him to the races in Brisbane where he really enjoyed himself without security protection – he spoke favourably about how Australia has delivered independence harmoniously in partnership with his administration.

Like most Papua New Guineans he followed State of Origin rugby league. When the then Premier Peter Beattie visited PNG he presented him with a Maroons jumper. Unhesitatingly the grand chief stated that "he supports the Blues!". It was all done in good humour and the then premier was warmly welcomed.

The grand chief, whose parliamentary career began in 1968 and did not end until he retired in 2017, served Papua New Guinea with distinction and with dignity. In my view he was a good friend of Australia, our leaders, and our people.

There are many tributes deservedly being paid to him. His passing is the end of an era that will never be emulated.