How have our major parties managed relations with PNG

I am often asked how our major parties have managed Papua New Guinea.

On balance both Labor and Liberal have done well. Not perfect but sound.

There have been several high-water marks since 1945...and a few failures.

The pre independence high was during the 13-year term as Administrator Sir Donald Cleland 1953-1966.

He came to office with a strong political pedigree. He was RG Menzies' campaign director in 1949.

He was held in high regard even by the radical proponents of independence such as Michael Somare. He died 2 months before independence in 1975. Somare accorded him a state funeral.

He was buried at Bomana cemetery. His widow Dame Rachael lived in PNG for a further 30 years.

He was supported by fellow WA Liberal Paul Hasluck the territories minister.

When Hasluck became foreign minister he was replaced by the Country Party's CEB Barnes, he was a disaster! His decade as Minister delayed self-government.

In 1971 McMahon appointed Andrew Peacock to replace him. He was a great success.

In 1973 Whitlam delivered self-government. Independence was to follow in 1975. The timing was about right.

Andrew Peacock was an excellent FM. Only the Country Party opposed it.

Bob Hawke had a long association with PNG. He was highly regarded.

In 1992 Keating made an historic visit to PNG. He set in place a process that highlighted a vital historic link.

The Downer period was disappointing, PNG was just not on his radar.

A highlight came when PNG agreed to take thousands of illegal arrivals at the heart of offshore processing.

It's often a challenge for a former colonial power to "manage the relationship".

On balance both sides have done well. It helps there are common interests such as rugby league and rugby union. And hundreds of PNG students still study in Australia - particularly Queensland. The children of Marape, O'Neill, Somare, Namaliu and Chan all studied here.

I well recall when PM Namaliu wanted to send his sons to BBC in Brisbane. I was told the school was fully booked.

It was agreed we would go to the school and meet the headmaster. We arranged a Commonwealth car, with PNG flag on the bonnet, and accompanying federal police.

To our surprise the headmaster served afternoon tea. Rabbie offered to pay a cash deposit.

By the time we left both Isaac and Rabbie junior were enrolled for the year ahead!

The Marise Payne era was a dismal failure in every way.

Penny Wong is turning that around rapidly. A bipartisan policy approach in Canberra is overdue and welcome. I especially commend Michael McCormack for the work he is doing.

Relations are at an all-time high.

On balance both major parties have served the relationship well.

It is in good shape at a critical time.

O'Neill and Marape both regard the Australia-PNG relationship as vital.

Long may it continue!

I know readers will allow me to pay tribute to one of the finest politicians I have met.

Baroness Betty Boothroyd died last week aged 93.

I was privileged to attend a dinner as her guest in 1992. She had just been elected Speaker of the Commons.

After an hour she asked that I be seated next to her.

She drank and smoked!

She was a great speaker for eight years until her retirement.

She was engaging, funny and highly regarded on all sides.

May she rest In peace!