Release of ASPI Strategic Insight – Improving development and respecting sovereignty: Australia and Papua New Guinea

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) today released a new report on Papua New Guinea.

Australia and Papua New Guinea have a close relationship. A change in government in Australia and the recent re-election of Sir Michael Somare provide an opportunity for reassessment and readjustment to restore a more productive interaction between the two countries.

The report, written by Ronald May, considers PNG government policies over the last decade which aimed to improve economic performance and governance. It considers in-depth the Australia–Papua New Guinea relationship and suggests ways in which the relationship could be enhanced.

These suggestions include:
• technical assistance and cooperation in areas such as coastal surveillance, the tracking of international criminal activities, legislative drafting, audit processes, IT development and environmental monitoring and conservation
• increased people-to-people interaction through cultural, media, sporting and academic exchanges

‘Australia’s ‘re-engagement’ with Papua New Guinea has been welcomed on both sides of the Torres Strait. But Australia must guard against perceptions that in its enthusiasm to see Papua New Guinea go ahead it does not compromise the latter’s sovereignty. Regular joint consultation at various levels of government and civil society is needed, drawing on the expertise built up over the years by Australians working in Papua New Guinea.’