I am aware of recent comments in the media attributed to the Member for Selau, Hon. Joseph Watawi.

Mr. Watawi makes some interesting comments and I welcome public debate.

Nevertheless, it is important for me to provide additional clarity in relation to our development partner relationships generally.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has excellent relationships with all our development partners. We engage from a standpoint of mutual respect and partnership. It is not true to say that Australia or any of our other partners push their own interests or that current development support is motivated only by what is best for Australia.

I meet regularly with the Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis. I regard him as a friend and a passionate supporter of the peace process. In my discussions with the High Commissioner he has always been at pains to emphasize that Australia’s only goal is to contribute to long term peace and stability in the region.

Australian Aid is making a big difference in the lives of ordinary Bougainvilleans. It is not true to say that aid only funds the work of technical experts. Through our development partnership, Australia is contributing to building infrastructure, enhancing our economic development corridors and bringing real benefits at a grassroots level. Australia provides support for health, education, law and justice, economic development, peace building and governance. They provide grants to community groups actively support our farmers and primary producers. Every decision in relation to every toea that is spent is a joint one and is part of the broader Australia-PNG Development Cooperation Partnership.

To say that Australia has only made “tokenistic” efforts is simply not true. The Australian Government has invested considerably. They were an active part of the peace process, and together with the United Nations and other partners continue to play a role in advancing peace and the full implementation of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. I would suggest that the Honorable Member would be better served to talk about these practical measures rather than participating in potentially harmful and disrespectful debate.

I welcome Australia’s continued assistance and I stand firm in my belief that with continued development partner support we can achieve our ultimate goal of peace by peaceful means.

Hon. Chief Dr John. L Momis GCL, MHR
President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

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