PHILIP FITZPATRICK - The Kramer interview was interesting both because of what he said and the clarity with which he said it.

Kramer is a former police and justice minister and is currently immigration and citizenship minister in the Marape government.

At first he explained how elections had changed in Papua New Guinea with the adoption of limited preferential voting (LPV), which allows voters to express three preferences in order.

Voters now offer to sell their first, second and third preferences, which has complicated the electoral market measurably.

Kramer noted that Chinese companies now support many of the major candidates and thus introducing a new element, which would be mainly money or material support, into the voting process.

Of great importance, if he is right, is his belief that the current election will determine where PNG goes geopolitically in an arena where, at present, Australia has sought to distance itself more from China.

In essence, Kramer’s view is that the election will determine whether PNG retains what it calls its ‘look-north policy’ or move closer to Australia.

If O’Neill wins it will look north; if Marape wins PNG may move even closer to Australia.

As an aside Kramer pointed out that the Marape-Morrison relationship was partly based on their religiosity. How Labor approaches a religious Marape may be something worth watching.

With respect to the moves by China to infiltrate PNG, he explained that China always takes the easiest road. If a back door exists they will take it.

This is a not so oblique reference to bribing politicians. Australia is at a disadvantage because, directly at least, it doesn’t engage in such behaviour.

Kramer explained how everything in PNG is personal and that corrupt PNG politicians and other conmen are experts at building relationships.

He said Australia seems not to recognise this fact.

Australia purportedly operates under the assumption that, as a developing country, PNG has an honest government. It is more likely Australia chooses to ignore corruption.

He also said Australia doesn’t understand how to deal with corrupt governments like the one in PNG.

The main take out from the interview was that Australia must understand the outcome of the PNG election whatever happens and deal with it appropriately.

He reiterated that PNG is Australia’s ‘fence line’ and it is crucial for its own security that it keeps the fence line in good hands.

If China is successful in PNG, the fence line becomes very dangerous.

PAUL OATES - Bryan Kramer conveyed with Melanesian subtlety the message that personal contact, trust and understanding are the important factors in building relationships with the Pacific.

This is something those who have never lived and worked in the Pacific can find it hard to understand.

The US stereotype of barging in with much implied power might seem to work but only creates animosity behind the external visage of politeness.

The Asian alternative of proffering business and wealth may be initially successful but if perceived to be harsh or unfair, will create animosity among its victims who see themselves in a zero sum game.

This was seen recently when Chinese traders in Solomon Islands had to be evacuated for their safety in the face of civil strife.

The age, old method of promising everything and giving little is often successful in the short term, sometimes longer, but it frequently ends in tears.

Australia is now confronted with a choice. Does it ally itself with one of the two big global powers and end up being ground down in a struggle of the Titans or is there another way?

The Melanesian concept of emphasising personal relationships and trust is not something that can be turned on and off quickly. It takes time and understanding to develop.

In my memoir, ‘Small steps along the way’, I wrote of my first patrol in PNG when I was struggling uphill in the rarefied highland air. A Councillor Rukanzinga took my arm and said, “Just take little steps. You’ll be OK.”

Good relationships, earned trust and gradualism can get you a long way in Papua New Guinea.