The general attitude of respondents is that Australia is a great country to live – “a place of great opportunity” – and visit. It’s a place where “people respect your privacy but are willing to assist you if you are in distress”.

There was a strong minority opinion, however, that saw Australia tainted by unfriendly visa policies which made it tough for ordinary PNG citizens to enter.

Australians are seen as a generous and down to earth people who, in their interactions with Papua New Guineans, are friendly, open-minded, tolerant and courteous.

“Most Australians are easy to approach and willing to engage in conversation – whether you’re acquainted with them or not.”

There was particular mention of those Australian volunteers and missionaries who came to PNG to work and who “positively influenced the lives of many people”.

A distinction was made between Australians in Australia and Australians living in PNG. Australians in Australia were not perceived as knowledgeable or very interested in PNG. Even Australians in PNG for the most part were seen as somewhat detached.

“On the whole I’ve found that Australians who live in PNG are there for the job rather than the cultural experience…. They tend to stick to themselves.”

Another respondent agreed. “From my observations, it’s usually special functions like Christmas parties that Australian families socialise with national families.

“But I’ve much admiration for the Australians who work with local charities and who work in smaller NGOs and come into contact with everyday PNGns on a daily-basis.”

Respondents felt the best things about Australia’s relationship with PNG are training, education, trade relations and aid, although there was some negative comment on the “boomerang” aid that returns funds to Australian firms.

People continue to reflect positively on the Australian government’s support and role in Papua New Guinea’s independence and they continue to value the relationship.

And then there was more pragmatic reasoning. “I think Australia maintaining a relationship with PNG is beneficial for Papua New Guineans. It provides a link to a lifestyle and culture that many Papua New Guineans have experienced through work, study or holiday visits.”

Respondents tended to agree that, in recent times, the Australian government has changed its attitude towards PNG. “It’s not as it was in the 1980s,” said one.

“Australia is less engaged with PNG as they focus more on Asia,” said one person. And another: “Most definitely.”

The visa issue continues to put a dampener on the relationship. “The visa application process is a source of major frustration for many Papua New Guineans.”

The Manus detention centre is also a continuing problem. “I can’t help but feel that Australia has employed bully tactics to impose its wants upon PNG.”

One person felt that the Australian government did not have a clear picture of the real issues in PNG.

“There is a problem with the diversion of money from foreign aid programs. While some programs are conducive to national growth and development, I question the validity of others.”

We asked people if they thought the PNG government has any responsibility for the current problems it faces. As you might expect, corruption loomed as a major issue.

There was also a feeling that there is a lack of political will. “Key people and agencies are either indecisive or lack government support to get work done,” said one respondent. “Greed and systemic corruption from the top down is crippling service deliver in this country.”

Another said: “I think the growing presence of Asian countries engaging in business could affect PNG’s attempts to move away from anti-corruption.”

People felt that, to strengthen its relationship with PNG, Australia needed to “treat PNG as an equal partner”.

Another respondent commented on a need to “improve transparency of dialogue between the two governments where decision-making is concerned” suggesting that “social media could be used by both governments to keep Papua New Guineans well-informed of what is happening.”

Other people suggested that money laundering in Australia needs to be cleaned up, that Australia should be more respectful of PNG and (again) that visa processing should be made more efficient and sensitive.

In the wash-up, though, most respondent were in the camp of one person who said simply: “I love Australia and  Australians.”

Another said: “I feel privileged to have been able to live, receive an education, work and start raising a family in Australia. Life can most definitely be enjoyed in PNG but is enhanced by the magterial, emotional, intellectual and social aid has provided and continues to do so.”

And the last word: “My encounter with Australians as individuals is that they have and continue to contribute a lot to the development of this nation.”