Timing of Australian Prime Minister’s visit is inappropriate
PRESS RELEASE Former Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta said today the proposed visit to Papua New Guinea by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is hard to fathom at this time, on the eve of PNG’s national election. Mr Turnbull came to office in September 2015 – over eighteen months ago. In all that time, he has visited many countries, all over the world. He has not found time to visit Papua New Guinea, one of Australia’s most important neighbors. Why come now? What is so important now that cannot be dealt with by officials? “The two Prime Ministers met in Australia a few weeks ago,” Sir Mekere said. “They have met countless times at APEC, Pacific Islands’ Forum Leaders’ meetings, UN meetings, and I am sure they talk on the phone from time to time. What is so pressing now, when Papua New Guinea is suffering at the hands of this corrupt, incompetent, uncaring Government headed by Peter O’Neill?” “It is insensitive and interfering for Mr Turnbull to pay homage to Mr