Luke Simpkins (Cowan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

As a former major in the Australian army and a former member of the Australian Federal Police, I certainly appreciate the opportunity to speak today about the importance of Australia’s foreign relations in the Asia-Pacific region. I think there should be no doubt that a nation such as Australia has an important part to play in the region. Stability and economic prosperity are critical to ensure that states in the Asia-Pacific region do not fail. The coalition understands that security does not begin and end at our borders. The prospect of failed states on our doorstep providing soft targets for criminals such as drug traffickers, people smugglers, extremists and even terrorists is not something we want to contemplate. The intervention by the former government to restore order and stability to a number of neighbouring states is not only morally right but also completely in Australia’s self-interest.

It is important to remember that Australia has a history of supporting nations in our region with money, advisers and other resources and aid. That aid should never be provided without accountability. These were principles by which the Howard government operated and which we on this side of the House still stand true on. I recall that earlier this year the Prime Minister made some disparaging remarks about the Howard government’s foreign policy stance with Papua New Guinea. I ask members to recall that elements within the government of Papua New Guinea put up barriers to the assistance of the Australian Federal Police. Elements within the government helped the fugitive Julian Moti escape justice on a PNG Defence Air Force flight. They have resisted the accountability conditions attached to Australia’s foreign aid payments. I note that it has recently been reported that $400 million is missing from the government of PNG’s finance department.

The Prime Minister has put aside all these points of accountability and responsibility—instead sacrificing important principles of 12 years of highly effective regional foreign relations, all to score a political point. The Prime Minister might think it useful to try to demonstrate a new relationship with the government of Papua New Guinea where a photo opportunity is more important than an effective foreign policy. But, while the government ignores accountability requirements, money is going missing in PNG, and their people are there suffering. This is not good for regional stability and it is not good for the confidence of the people of PNG in democratic processes. They want their government to serve them and not narrow interests.

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