Now all the arguments are being reprised as the Rudd Government moves to develop a policy that, it appears, will enable people from other Pacific countries to work seasonally in Australia, but not Papua New Guineans. Let’s also reprise, with approval, The National’s editorial of May 2006…. 

Six month ago, John Howard firmly rejected calls for a seasonal workers scheme raised by Pacific Island leaders who were attending the Forum in Port Moresby. At the time, The National expressed doubt over his stated reasons for refusal.

It seemed to us that the Australian prime minister produced a red herring at the Forum, with a spurious reason advanced for his government’s stance on the issue. Mr Howard sought to boost the concept of “building island economies” as the answer to unemployment, and described the guest worker concept as “imaginary relief”. He did not attempt to tackle the sensitive question of existing preferences given to young European and American backpackers. The Australian Government has now decided to significantly extend those work opportunities to cover tourism and regional and rural work opportunities

As Sir Rabbie [Namaliu] says, these are the very areas in which young seasonally employed Papua New Guineans could not only benefit Papua New Guinea, but Australia as well. Where is the logic in Mr Howard relaxing already generous provisions for European and American backpackers, while refusing to recognise the claims of his country’s island neighbours to similar treatment?

Similar arrangements applied to the Pacific island nations could have many potential benefits. Among them are the strengthening of PNG-Australian ties, not between diplomats and ministers, but in a more youthful and personal way. Young people of both countries working together would learn to appreciate each other’s customs and aspirations. Such contacts are far more likely to contribute to the much vaunted “special relationship” that supposedly exists between our two nations. The working and social experience gained by young Pacific islanders could contribute towards the development of their maturity and vision…

Editorial, ‘Canberra’s Intransigence’, The PNG National, 18 May 2006