Some of this money is clearly being used to underwrite the war effort. Not only have thousands died on the island of Bougainville but across PNG people are suffering as government services are falling apart because the Chan government budget gives priority to this criminal war. Meanwhile a handful of Australian and other foreign multinationals rip out massive profits through environmentally and socially destructive mega-projects. CRA's Panguna copper mine on Bougainville was closed down by the people for operating in this way.
Aid is about poverty alleviation, health and education.
Aid is not about funding other government's wars against their own people. It's not about assisting foreign multinationals to make huge profits at the expense of local communities and their environment. The PNG people have sent a clear message to the Chan government that they do not want the mercenaries. Now it is time for Australians to ensure that our aid does not support the war. All other aid should be cut off.