Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

A move the motion relating to Papua New Guinea in the terms in which it appears on the Notice Paper. Modern Papua New Guinea is a proud and vibrant nation of 7.3 million people. It is a nation of immense natural beauty, of rich cultural heritage and diversity and of, as yet, untapped potential. Forty years on from independence, Papua New Guinea retains the optimism and enthusiasm of a young nation; a nation with its best years still to come. Its people are bound by a common bond, a fierce pride in their nation and deep and abiding ties to the clan, village and province—bonds that are sometimes at odds. The passionate nature of the people of Papua New Guinea is at one-time an enormous strength, but also a challenge.

Our two nations will forever be linked by our shared past. During the Second World War we fought side by side to drive back the invading Japanese forces in brutally harsh conditions on the Kokoda Track. In doing so, we forged a bond that endures and grows with every passing year. Often spoken about, but never forgotten, this bond lies at the heart of our relationship. Papua New Guinea is our nearest neighbour and a trusted ally and close friend.

PNG faces all the challenges of a developing country and yet has achieved so much. In recent times, it is worth noting the remarkable spread of mobile telephony and increasing access to the internet. The successful resolution of the Bougainville conflict stands as an exemplar to the world. Implementation of that peace agreement is just as important as the agreement itself. The remarkable success of the South Pacific Games stands out as an example of what can be achieved by a small but determined nation. Of enduring value is the independence of the judiciary under a succession of capable chief justices and today, under Sir Salinger, the courts play an essential role in Papua New Guinea's growing democracy.

Of course there are challenges; that is the nature of the developing world. It is also where Australia can play a role. Our challenge in this former colony is to provide the support and assistance to help Papua New Guinea grow without imposing our views over the policies of the elected government. There will be times when we disagree, but Papua New Guinea's future depends upon building strong and effective democratic government and effective public service that truly reflects the wishes of the nation. Any nation can hand out money to the developing world, but the strength of our relationship with Papua New Guinea is built upon bonds—bonds developed through common history, though the pain and trauma of war and bonds through the brotherhood of friendship. However, the key to Papua New Guinea's continued growth and development is to address the challenges that remain. A strong, stable and prosperous Papua New Guinea is in Australia's national interest. The people of PNG are seeing the benefits of a refocusing of Australian foreign aid to our near neighbours in the Indo-Pacific region under the leadership of foreign minister Julie Bishop. Australian aid is supporting improvements in the areas of health and education, law and order, transport, gender and governance.

But the relationship between our two nations goes well beyond government. Among the Australian population, there is genuine goodwill towards the people of Papua New Guinea and organisations willing to lend a hand. I am proud to call Papua New Guinea a friend. I enjoy my many friendships with Papua New Guineans. I admire their rich diversity and wonderful people.

To Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, I offer my congratulations to Papua New Guinea on a remarkable 40 years. The 40th anniversary of independence is a time for Papua New Guineans to celebrate the achievements of their nation and to look forward with hope and optimism to the years ahead. For Australians, it is a time to recognise our close government-to-government and people-to-people ties and to reaffirm our commitment to support Papua New Guinea to reach its immense and untapped potential. I pay tribute to their high commissioner, Charles Lepani, who does such a wonderful job representing Papua New Guinea in Canberra.

With our close bonds forged by history and our ongoing commitment to development, I have no doubt that our two great nations will continue to work together for mutual growth and prosperity in the years and decades ahead. Papua New Guinea, celebrate your 40 years. You deserve to.

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