Somare Shares Grief On Whitlam’s Passing

The man who granted PNG's indepence passes on. ABC File photo

Founding Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare today expressed his sadness of the passing of Australian late Gough Whitlam.

Sir Michael said the late Whitlam was a dynamic leader, who felt that PNG was emerging to be a leader in the pacific.

Sir Michael and Whitlam were the two leaders that stood to witness the fall of the Australian flag and rise of PNG’s red, black and gold colours.

His sudden passing away shocked PNG’s founding father, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who says the late Whitlam was a great Australian who had the heart of our small nation.

Sir Michael said Whitlam’s political engagements and oversight of PNG has enriched greatly towards and after PNG gaining independence.

He described his special attachment with Whitlam not only in politics but family.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill extended his condolences to the family of the late Edward Gough Whitlam stating late Whitlam will always hold a special place in the history of Papua New Guinea as the Australian Prime Minister who worked with our founding fathers to achieve independence.