Australia needs to support Andrew Forrest’s energy ambitions for Papua New Guinea

And that "potential" not just includes rebuilding and cementing our standing in our closest neighbour – it offers Papua New Guinea not to be repeated opportunity to deliver affordable power to the great majority of the people, to attract downstream processing industries, create employment, and grow the small PNG private sector.

It will make a real difference. But it is simply not guaranteed to proceed. Andrew Forrest has signed agreements with a range of countries that in total would amount to an investment of $200 billion. He will clearly "pick and choose" on the basis of the feasibility studies his team is undertaking.

We need to urge him to look at the "big picture" – a large scale hydro power scheme that will deliver clean and green AND affordable electricity.

Purari can become a reality - but we should not expect Andrew Forrest to do it alone. Now is the time to get engaged constructively, drawing on the expertise Australian engineering and other contractors have in building hydro power plants and delivering electricity to remote and distant areas.

The electricity industry in Papua New Guinea today is in a terrible state. Hydro power scheme established before and soon after independence have not been properly maintained, blackouts are common, and the average power bill faced by domestic consumers, and businesses, is crippling.

Purari can begin the long process of rectifying that disastrous position. It is not the only solution, but it is an essential part of the overall solution long term.

That is both the challenge and opportunity confronting the Australian Government today!