Samoa shows sports diplomacy can work in our region

The focus needs to shift to the grass roots, schools and women.

And it must include soccer, AFL, cricket and netball.

The major sporting bodies in Australia need to be more fully involved in developing programs and overseeing their implementation.

This needs to be done sensitively. There must be the right level of consultation with sports administrations in each country, but there must be a level of Australian engagement......and not just by DFAT.

China cannot possibly match this in any form.

This can be a unique people to people association between Australia and our neighbours.

But the key really is to secure adequate funding from the Australian Government, and possibly by Australian business operating in the region.

The challenge in PNG is far greater than in smaller island nations, but it is not insurmountable.

There are real signs our relations with our region are improving.

There is more to be done. Sport can lead the way in doing it.