Our influence in Papua New Guinea continues to decline

No matter in which area of the world you look, full vaccination is an absolute requirement of international travel - and Australia is as tough as any country in insisting on it.

Unless something radical happens - and there are no signs of it - Papua New Guinea will be closed to Australia for years to come for all but a small minority of the population.

That will be a long-term tragic impediment to a once vibrant relationship based on history, on sporting links, education, religious connections, on family reunions, and business.

There is no way any Australian Government is going to ease visa and other conditions while the PNG vaccination rate is so low.

It is indeed ironic that China, where the virus began, stands to benefit from greater people to people engagement at our expense!

Sadly, I have to conclude with a very pessimistic assessment of a really important relationship, and even more sad the continued decline in our real influence.

That surely means Australia needs to be better focussed than ever - and most certainly more pro-active than ever.

Moving comprehensively to reverse the decline in vital agricultural exports such as coffee and cocoa would surely be a good start?