PM Albanese spoke to a uniquely powerful parliament

Of all my complaints about how we prepared PNG for independence, the neglect of the parliament was at the very top. We just failed to lay the right democratic parliamentary foundations for a young nation.

In my time with the opposition leader, and then when he was deputy prime minister in the Chan government I sought to encourage the nation's leaders to properly resource the parliament.

We brought in a superannuation scheme for MPs and began the new parliament house project.

I was privileged when Prime Minister Somare invited me to be his guest when the magnificent parliament house was opened by the now King Charles in 1984.

As part of our closer engagement with PNG, we could do well to offer to assist with the further development of the parliament. Members need greater research and other support. They need to be educated on how to be an effective representative of their electorates.

The committee system has some strengths but many weaknesses. It needs greater research services and members of committees need to be educated on how to probe effectively.

The Australian Parliament could help deliver that.

The exchange of MP visits needs to be developed. It is welcome that a bi-partisan delegation from the Australian Parliament will tour PNG next week. We need to enable more visits to Australia by PNG delegations.

An effective parliament will be a significant bulwark against China's growing influence. It cannot offer a democratic model for PNG to follow!

The Albanese address focussed on defence co-operation and delivering basic services such as health care and supporting PNG's bid to have a team included in the NRL premiership down the track.

But building on his address could well include helping to strengthen the parliament as the focus of PNG's democracy.

We must never underestimate just how important it is for the parliament of PNG to remain at the centre of national life. And that is not diminished when a Prime Minister has an overwhelming majority.