The Australian government is riding roughshod over Papua New Guinea

Since the late 90s Australian taxpayers have spent more than $120 million, through AusAID, to strengthen the Royal Papua New Guinean Police Force. The question arises as to what impact this money has had? No document has been released that thoroughly evaluates these projects and the impacts they have had. If no expansive evaluation has been conducted, how is the situation likely to improve?

More recent discussions with AusAID illustrate that they have very little idea how these police will be used. Although they are the prime Australian international development agency they are having little say in how this new policy is being developed and implemented. This doesn't bode well for PNG's development. Similarly, Foreign Minister Downer was forced to suggest that the police will not be available until the middle of next year, due to the immense pressure the AFP are under with operations in East Timor and the Solomon Islands as well as increased operations since the war on terror began. This is asure sign this policy is being made on the run.

Also of prime concern is the actual aid budget. This year Australia has set aside $333.6 million to be spent in PNG by AusAID. The cost of a civil servant abroad is estimated at $250,000 annually. Multiplied by the 200 promised police and the myriad other bureaucrats required, this amount swells well beyond $50 million. Will this come from additional development money or shaving the health and education programs that are so badly needed in PNG? None of this is clear and the Australian public should be asking these questions.

A stable region relies on strong partnerships and closely aligned economies. Sound policy is grounded in mutual understanding and respect and Australia would do well to cease telling PNG what to do and start listening to the many people in PNG who know their complex country and are focused on seeing it attain its own long term and sustainable path to development. To not begin to listen and to threaten the sovereignty of a democracy not yet 30 years old can only further destabilise a potentially fractious region.