TorresTok

50 years from now

May 24, 2020

Have you ever stopped to wonder what the relationship between PNG and Australia could be like in 50 years? It might be worthwhile to ponder on this for a moment as its likely to be very different from the situation today.

Just how different depends on what is done to influence that by the middle-class people on both sides of the Torres Strait.

The past has typically been a mixture of “Development and Security” investment in aid from the former Administrative power to a newly Independent Nation-state, that despite best efforts at the time, was ill-prepared for the challenges to be faced going forward.

Its often noted that power was transferred without the firing of a gun. That no doubt provides the basis of a lasting and fertile opportunity in both the past and present and potentially into the enduring future.

The relationship has therefore mainly concerned the Governments of both countries and the political elite of Papua New Guinea to whom to Aid investment is heavily marketed.

However, the geopolitical sands are moving fast in the Oceania Region. No longer the back yard of Australia as the deputy sheriff of America, China has and will continue to attempt to project power in the region as it attempts to establish a new world order in the region. How this particular struggle will play out is beyond the remit of this blog.

Let us consider then, how the relationship between two nation-states might be enriched in a way that is to the mutual benefit of both?
Since Independence in 1975 despite many challenges in its development PNG has grown a small by the vibrant middle class who like in most democracies respect the rule of law, study & work diligently whilst saving and investing for their futures independently of Governments. Many of these people but not all have in some way benefited from Australian Investment either through Aid or Private Enterprise.

Many of these people are younger, more connected, and whilst like citizens anywhere in the world proud and confident of their Nationality are keen and capable of competing on a more International Level. Australia has a skills shortage and has begun a people mobility scheme to address this which should be encouraged. Whilst there are business groups that provide linkages between both markets and several associations and alumni which provide valuable linkages it's proposed to introduce more online programs targeted at two key areas.

Firstly, it is often said that Democracy is always one generation away from extinction. This is true on both sides of the Torres Strait. As the annual Lowey Institute , Satisfaction Survey indicates there is still work to be done to promote democracy amongst younger Australians only 50 percent of Australians aged between 18-29 believe democracy is preferable to any kind of Government. Whilst in PNG weak institutions and a problematic electoral process present a unique challenge to maintaining democracy going forward.

Secondly, a free and independent press is vital to keep the flame of Democracy burning. Independent Oversight of Government, Business, and private dealings are essential. The advent of modern social media presents both challenges and opportunities.

The inter-connectedness of the middle classes on both sides of the strait is furthermore underpinned by a historical association with Judean- Christian principles that, more generally provide a catalyst for transparent civic, minded citizens to take actions that promote meaningful and productive endeavors without interference from Government aside a reasonable level of regulation.

Whilst Social media has arrived almost as a tsunami in recent years the potential benefits are at risk from exploitation by authoritarian manipulations as has been so often observed in recent times.

It is therefore proposed that the future of both nations would benefit from targeted programs that promote and enable greater people to people exchanges on projects that encourage people below 35 to learn about the benefits of Democracy and Freedom of Speech through Freedom of the media. It’s important to note this is not advocating more politics it's about ensuring the middle classes of both Nation States become advocates of democracy. Our Futures depend on it!

Much of this can be done online let’s make use of the new cable…….

My next blog is why traditional approaches to AID will not work in the future…