FEATURE ARTICLE BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL, THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER, PNG

16 March 2008

In this, the 40th year of the Right Honourable Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare’s political career, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on his achievements and my personal experiences in Papua New Guinea (PNG), both as a soldier and in my present role as Governor-General of Australia.

I first served in PNG from 1966-69 with the 1st Battalion, The Pacific Islands Regiment, during which time Marlena and I were married in the ‘Haus Lotu’ at Taurama Barracks. I clearly remember the 1968 House of Assembly elections, as this was the first time I had heard of Mr Somare. However, at the time it would have been impossible to imagine that 40 years later, I would not only have met ‘The Chief’ on many occasions, but would also be writing an article on such a significant anniversary.

In 1974, I returned with my family to PNG and was later appointed Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, The Pacific Islands Regiment at Wewak. I fondly recall the Member for East Sepik Regional throwing small stones at our bedroom window and yelling out, “Come on Michael, let’s play golf”. From this time onwards, an enduring friendship was formed.

I well remember Independence in 1975, with the Australian flag being lowered in Wewak for the last time and the beautiful Papua New Guinea flag being raised in its stead. Shortly after, I was personally farewelled at Wewak airport by Prime Minister Somare, with the pipes and drums of the Regimental Band in attendance. It was a deeply moving departure.

To me, the most impressive thing about Independence was the positive spirit in which it occurred. This was a credit to both the political leaders of Papua New Guinea and Australia. Mr Somare was a powerful advocate for Independence, and heavily committed to the preparation and adoption of the Constitution. The positive spirit displayed then between our two nations, provided the solid foundation for the multifaceted relationship, based on mutual respect, which remains to this day.

Marlena and I have very fond memories of our time in Papua New Guinea and indeed I returned to help do a review of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in 2000. Later we were both honoured to be invited back in September 2005 to celebrate not only the 30th anniversary of Independence, but also to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Japanese 16th Army Surrender in Wewak in World War Two. At the Commemorative Ceremony at Wom Point, and at the State Dinner held in my honour at the Officers’ Mess of my old battalion, I had the pleasure of discussing with Mr Somare the many changes that had occurred in the thirty years since Independence. In our conversation, one thing was very clear to me – Mr Somare’s dedication to ensuring a sustainable future for his country and its people.

I was impressed to learn that the Coalition for Rainforest Nations was formed as the personal initiative of Mr Somare. In seeking responsible stewardship of the world’s last great rainforests, the members of the Coalition are working together to achieve environmental sustainability. This is a cause which is very close to my heart. Papua New Guinea and Australia are very similar, in that our landscapes shape our way of life. In my recent Australia Day message, I said that I wanted to encourage all Australians to not only care for themselves and one another, but also for our nation and the land we are so lucky in which to live. Papua New Guinea is an extraordinarily beautiful country and I praise Mr Somare on his efforts to sustainably preserve this beauty for future generations.

One of the most poignant moments in my career occurred last year when Sir Michael invested me as a Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu. Being awarded Papua New Guinea’s highest honour and the title of ‘Chief’ further reinforced my deep connection with Papua New Guinea, its people and its culture. I again thank Sir Michael and the people of PNG for this great honour.

On behalf of the government and the people of Australia I congratulate the Right Honourable Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, as father of the nation, on his many achievements during his 40 years in politics and wish him and the people of Papua New Guinea every success for the future.