Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Now is the time to enhance public support for greater assistance for PNG and the South Pacific

By Jeffrey Wall - posted Monday, 28 June 2021


Of course a substantial share can be identified as "development assistance" but we need to be much more robust when it comes to greater spending.

Especially in Papua New Guinea, but also in Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Timor Leste, increased assistance and activity needs to reflect the reality that it is genuinely in "the Australian interest" for the federal government to do so.

There is far too much timidity in DFAT when it comes to engaging the Australian community with the real objectives of the support we given to Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.

Advertisement

The Prime Minister needs to lead the way is totally revising how we explain the support we provide, and justify the significant increases that are inevitable if we are to counter China's growing influence and its "anti-Australia" campaign.

That means greater transparency in our existing aid program across the region. Its successes and its failures need to be highlighted. The people of Australia will support it provided there is transparency and competence in his delivery.

Terms like "Pacific Step Up" really are quite meaningless (especially when it has been baby steps to date).

The Government needs to engage the citizens (voters) with the real objectives of the support we provide across the region. Assistance with "development" yes, but also the genuine pursuit of the Australian national interest!

I have every confidence that if what is clearly in our own national interest in our region is promoted more openly and actively, the community will overwhelmingly support it.

The aggressive approach China has taken by effectively blocking key Australian exports has clearly been recognised in the community. Our deteriorating relationship with China is increasingly seen as been not irrelevant to our national security, and the very stability of our neighbours, especially our closest neighbour – Papua New Guinea.

Advertisement

Just last Thursday the Australian Government provided the first indication that the need to do much, much more in countering China is being understood.

The Australian and Papua New Guinean Governments signed a MOU under which Australia will provide up to $A400 million to support the renewal and upgrading of significant ports in Papua New Guinea.

Now the devil will be in the detail, but provided the project starts as soon as possible – and not be just a well-meaning MOU with no time frame – it is a very welcome one. If can really assist Papua New Guinea in a critical infrastructure and security area.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

5 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Jeffrey Wall CSM CBE is a Brisbane Political Consultant and has served as Advisor to the PNG Foreign Minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu – Prime Minister 1988-1992 and Speaker 1994-1997.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Jeffrey Wall

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 5 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy