Ongoing problems in PNG
Claims in the past week that neighbouring Papua New Guinea could too become a so-called failed state have been met with alarm. The claims were made by Professor Alan Patience, of the politics department of the University of Papua New Guinea. While not everyone agrees with Professor Patience, there is concern that going into PNG’s 31st year of independence from Australian rule, the country’s standard of living has not improved significantly. Lila Barnett was born in PNG and served as a magistrate for many years. While she now lives in Australia, she regularly returns home to visit her family. She told the Wire many things seem to be getting worse in her home country. Dr Satish Chand from The Australian National University’s pacific policy program, explained about what can be done to improve PNG’s lot.