How Australia can regain positive influence and respect in the South Pacific

1. Australia needs to totally review its diplomatic approach to its key neighbours – Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.

The last time Australia made a really "political appointment" to the region was way back in 1952 when the External Territories Minister in the Menzies Government, Paul Hasluck appointed Brigadier Donald Cleland as Administrator of the then Territory of Papua New Guinea.

It was a controversial appointment, as Donald Cleland had been a Liberal candidate in Western Australia, and prior to his appointment Federal Director and Campaign Director of the Liberal Party.

But he served in the position until his retirement in 1966. He was a very popular administrator, especially with the emerging Papua New Guinean leadership group that included the nation's future first Chief Minister and Prime Minister, Michael Somare.

Donald Cleland even managed to progress steps towards self-government and independence despite the blundering hesitancy of Charles Barnes, who succeeded Paul Hasluck as External Territories Minister. The transition from an appointed Legislative Council to an elected House of Assembly occurred under his guidance in 1964 – just nine years before self-government and eleven years before Independence.

When the then Sir Donald Cleland – who had lived in PNG in his retirement – died just one month before Independence the Chief Minister, Michael Somare, accorded him a State Funeral. He subsequently made Sir Donald's widow, Rachael, a Dame.

Sir Donald Cleland brought to the office of administrator an understanding of politics, and real political "clout" when it came to negotiations with the Federal Government. His term as Administrator remains revered by current PNG leaders most of whom would not have met him.

Australia should look at his achievements and seriously consider appointing a former senior federal or state minister, or political leader, as High Commissioner to PNG. Today Australia is represented in London, Washington, Tokyo, Singapore and Delhi by former federal or state senior political figures. The consul positions in at least two US cities are are held by former politicians.

The biggest "business" in Papua New Guinea is politics! The national elections next year will be contested by thousands of candidates representing at least twenty political parties.

It makes sense to me to have as our representative in one of our key overseas posts – Port Moresby – a skilled former politician who can gain the confidence of our neighbour's leaders, leaders who follow closely our politics, just as the people follow our rugby league!

And consideration ought also be given to similar experienced political representation in Fiji and The Solomon Islands

2. Adopt the trade sub-committee's soft diplomacy recommendations