Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta has questioned the proposed visit by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to Papua New Guinea, saying it is hard to fathom on the eve of the national elections.
Sir Mekere said Turnbull came to office in September 2015 – over 18 months ago.
“In all that time, he has visited many countries, all over the world. He has not found time to visit Papua New Guinea, one of Australia’s most important neighbours.
“Why come now? What is so important now that cannot be dealt with by officials?”
Sir Mekere said the two Prime Ministers met in Australia a few weeks ago.
“They have met countless times at APEC, Pacific Islands’ Forum Leaders’ meetings, UN meetings, etc.
“It is insensitive and interfering for Mr Turnbull to pay homage to Mr O’Neill at this point in time.”
Sir Mekere said it is a dangerous position for the Australian Prime Minister to put himself in, especially with the prospect of a new Government just around the corner.
“Is this a replay of 2012, when the Australian High Commissioner publicly endorsed Peter O’Neill in a written statement, and joyfully rushed to Government House to witness the Governor General inviting O’Neill to form a government – the only diplomat to do so?” Sir Mekere asked.
“If Mr O’Neill happens to be the Prime Minister after the election, fine, visit him then. We would all accept that. But to visit now is inappropriate.
“If the visit is about arrangements for APEC, Mr Turnbull needs to know that many Papua New Guineans think that the $100 million plus that Australia has said it will spend on APEC security is a very bad use of Australian aid. That money would be much better spent on health and education and direct strengthening of oversight institutions like the Fraud Squad, the Police Prosecutor, the Public Prosecutor, the Ombudsman Commission, the Judicial Service, the Auditor General.”
Sir Mekere said he recognised that it was the Australian Prime Minister’s right to visit whoever and whenever he chose, but it was also his right as a citizen of PNG to comment and object.