Doorstop Interview – Wewak, Papua New Guinea
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I also thank the traditional owners for giving us permission to be here today. Can I particularly think, as well, the Somare family for the welcome that we have received here this morning. And to my good friend, Prime Minister Marape. We’ve been talking about this visit here for a period of time now, since I had the great honour of being elected Prime Minister of Australia. And when Prime Minister Marape suggested to me that a visit to PNG should include a visit to the capital but, importantly, a visit to Wewak, to this important national shrine, this most important of places to pay tribute to the father of independence in Papua New Guinea. Sir Michael Somare will live on through his contribution to Papua New Guinea as an independent, strong, vibrant nation into the future. And in a couple of years’ time we will commemorate the 50th anniversary of independence for PNG. We had self governance from 1973-4 the lead up to 1975 was most important. I said to the Parliament yesterday that the importance of this historical event was that you didn’t see the tearing down of a flag, you didn’t see a revolution. What you saw was a peaceful transition, due to the leadership, particular of Sir Michael Somare, but also on this occasion I pay tribute to the late Gough Whitlam as well. It took two leaders coming together in the interests of their people to see Papua New Guinea thrive into the future as an independent state. Our futures, just like our paths, are intertwined. We are connected. The stronger and more secure, and more prosperous Papua New Guinea is the stronger and more secure and prosperous Australia will be and the same applies the other way around. Which is why there is no more important relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. One of the honours of my life has been addressing the Parliament and then being here today to pay my respects to a great person of humanity. A legend, not just in Papua New Guinea, but throughout the world for the leadership that he showed to create independence for Papa New Guinea. I know that the children and grandchildren who are here with us today are feeling so proud of the achievements of Sir Michael Somare. When he was laid to rest, I’m told there were over a million people, they couldn’t count the numbers of people who were here. And that is not surprising. So, as the Australian Prime Minister, I’m very pleased to be here, not just on behalf of myself, and Minister Conroy and Senator Green, but on behalf of all Australians, to pay respect and pay my tribute to Sir Michael Somare.