Papua New Guinea remains loyal to its constitutional head of state 47 years on

In the recent national elections, none of the 25 official political parties advocated ending the constitutional status of the queen,

The same sadly cannot be said for the neighbouring Solomon Islands. There is every indication that the pro-China Sogavare Government will end the constitutional status of the king.

So as PNG celebrates 47 years of independence we can be comfortable in the knowledge that an imperfect system continues to survive.

Australia's role, as well identified by the Foreign Minister, is to work with the re-elected PNG Government to fix the electoral system before the next elections in 2027.

In the meantime, the good people of PNG will focus on the NRL and AFL finals and then the Melbourne Cup!!

A safe 47th anniversary Papua New Guinea. There are better times ahead…we must hope.