DR CLEMENT MALAU
LIKE Keith Jackson, I believe there will be a lot of positive outcomes from this election.
Reading the different messages on social media and the reported cases of citizens standing up for what is right is a great sign and makes me confident that the 2017 election will go down in history as a turning point for Papua New Guinea.
The ordinary citizen will have learnt more about transparency in voting, more about political party systems and more about the accountability required between leaders and citizens.
Social media will have played a major part in shaping unity from diversity. I read about young people expressing themselves like true Papua New Guineans and not based on regional groupings.
From an Australian perspective, it is time it review the way it provides development aid to PNG. It is time it asks questions about aid effectiveness.
Serious questions must be asked about the billions that have been spent. Has the investment been cost effective? Honest and truthful debate needs to take place on a true partnership and options for the aid delivery mechanism.
PNG’s leaders must also realise we are in a better position to negotiate, and not just for budget aid or support for Angau Hospital as part of the Manus deal.
Leaders must realise that our relationship requires a more strategic partnership approach, making points like if PNG becomes a free and fair society like New Zealand, this will mean a more secure and stable region for Australia.