Our response to China's influence in PNG continues to fall well short

The projects listed are no doubt worth, but when compared with what China has been pushing through they really pale into insignificance.

I am sorry to advise readers we are losing the battle. And China knows that we are!

Our response simply has to move from small though welcome projects to a "big picture" approach. I have written about just some "big picture" projects in recent weeks including Australia taking over the nation's major hospitals, starting with the Angau Hospital in PNGs second city Lae.

Another "big picture" approach should include offering to take effective control of agricultural rehabilitation and development. The agricultural sector on which the majority of Papua New Guineans depend for food and income is in an appalling state.

China has promised to undertake a number of "agricultural development" projects but so far it has been all talk and not much action.

Agriculture is an area where Australia can make a significant impact and do so with the support of the "grassroots" of Papua New Guinea.

And if we do we can directly challenge China. Directly and significantly!

Funding major hospitals and the rural health services they supply medicines and key personnel will be costly. So will any commitment to the rehabilitation of the agricultural sector and its expansion. I would add to agriculture the fisheries sector which China is ruthlessly targeting.

In summary, my concern and pessimism about China's influence in Papua New Guinea is growing. And my despair at Australia's overall response continues to grow as well.

Last week should have been a good week with a small, though welcome, policy change with the distribution of around $25 million directly to church run hospitals and health centres.

But that was totally swamped by yet another suspect loan deal with the PRC and the Exim Bank which Papua New Guinea simply cannot afford.

Australia's policy is simply not delivering anywhere adequately.

It must be urgently and comprehensively reviewed. I worry that where it really counts in Canberra either no one is listening or it is all just too hard.