Port Moresby Under State of Emergency: No Curfew, Heightened Security Measures Implemented

 In the aftermath of a tragic loss of 15 lives and widespread destruction in Papua New Guinea (PNG), former PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill is questioning the use of Australian taxpayer funds to support the government led by Prime Minister James Marape. O'Neill expresses deep concern over the direct financial support provided to what he deems a questionable and violent regime.

Peter O'Neill 

O'Neill highlights the recent violence in Port Moresby, attributing it to factors such as increased taxes on public servants, high unemployment rates, and an unaffordable cost of living. He criticizes the Marape-led government for its alleged misuse of funds, claiming that around five hundred million Australian dollars are annually contributed by Australian taxpayers to the PNG budget with no clear strings attached.

Under the leadership of the Albanese-led Australian Government, O'Neill suggests that the funds, instead of being allocated to Australian-managed and procured aid projects, are deposited directly into the PNG National Budget, allowing the Marape regime unrestricted use of the finances. O'Neill speculates that this approach may be an attempt by the Australian government to maintain influence over Marape and counter China's growing presence in the region.

The former Prime Minister expresses concern over the impact of this arrangement on the safety and security of PNG, describing the country as being virtually at war. He alleges that the 2022 PNG National General Election, supported by significant funding from the Australian Government, was marred by violence, intimidation, and irregularities, with 50% of voters reportedly unable to cast their votes.

O'Neill points out that the Australian government responded to Marape's urgent call by depositing AUD$750 million into the underfunded 2022 PNG Budget shortly after the election, leading to a budget blowout. He emphasizes that Australia's direct budget support has increased to nearly AUD500 million annually, accounting for about 8% of all budget revenues in PNG.

Highlighting the dire financial situation in PNG, O'Neill mentions an additional USD three billion loan from the International Monetary Fund to support the country's struggling finances. He stresses that despite PNG being rich in natural resources, it should not be dependent on Australian taxpayers for financial aid.

O'Neill criticizes the Marape regime for alleged human rights abuses, corruption, and a disregard for democratic principles. He calls on the Australian Government and its people to reconsider their support for a regime that, in his view, operates outside democratic norms.

In light of recent bloodshed, O'Neill expresses disappointment in the Australian Prime Minister's plan to host Marape in the Australian Parliament House. He urges a reevaluation of this decision and calls on the Australian Opposition leader, Mr. Peter Dutton, to boycott Marape's address in parliament and initiate a full senate enquiry into the funding of the PNG government.

Mr.O'Neill, a proud Papua New Guinean with deep connections to Australia, emphasizes the urgency of rethinking the current financial arrangement between the Australian and PNG Governments to ensure that aid provided by Australians achieves meaningful results for the people of Papua New Guinea.

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Port Moresby Under State of Emergency: No Curfew, Heightened Security Measures Implemented