How have our major parties managed relations with PNG

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.