Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are marking the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence with significant reflections on their historical ties and a newly established defence agreement. This milestone provides an opportunity for Australians to better understand their colonial past and the enduring relationship that shapes contemporary interactions between the two nations.
Honoring Shared History
Historian Nicholas Ferns from Monash University emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Australia’s role as PNG’s colonial power until 1975. Many educators, he notes, are surprised to learn that Australia governed PNG until its independence, highlighting a gap in the national education curriculum.
“When I speak to teachers about Australia’s governance of PNG, I’m often met with surprise,” Ferns stated. “If the teachers are surprised, I can only imagine how much students are unaware of this history.”
Australia’s involvement in World War II, particularly the battles fought along the Kokoda Track, occurred on what was considered Australian territory at the time. As celebrations commence, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to foster a renewed understanding of this shared history. He recently remarked, “There were polite terms used, but essentially it was a territory of Australia, and Papua New Guinea quite rightly fought for its independence.”
A New Defence Partnership
During his visit to PNG for the anniversary celebrations and the signing of the defence pact, Albanese walked part of the Kokoda Trail with PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape. He expressed admiration for the resilience of Australian soldiers who fought in challenging conditions, stating, “We should give thanks to them each and every day and to the people of PNG who provided support at that time.”
The defence treaty, described by Albanese as a pivotal moment, aims to elevate the Australia-PNG relationship to the same stature as Australia’s partnerships with the United States and New Zealand. This agreement is especially relevant amid rising concerns over Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Ferns.
Ferns pointed out that Australia’s historical ties with PNG grant it a more significant influence over security decisions in PNG compared to other Pacific nations like the Solomon Islands or Vanuatu. This relationship, he argues, remains vital as PNG continues to navigate its identity and governance challenges, including tribal differences and corruption.
“This is a place still trying to find its way in the world to make the most effective use of its natural and human resources,” Ferns said, reflecting on the tempered optimism that characterized PNG’s independence 50 years ago.
As dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, gather in Port Moresby for the commemorations, the new defence pact stands as a testament to the ongoing collaboration between Australia and PNG. “What better time to reassert close ties,” Ferns concluded, underscoring the significance of the anniversary in shaping future relations.
