Former PNG Judge Calls on Prime Minister Howard to Clarify Use of Australian Troops in PNG Reports from both Port Moresby and Canberra suggest that the Howard government is considering deploying Australian troops in PNG, possibly both on Bougainville and against the PNG Defence Force personnel in Port Moresby. Sources at the Australian High Commission in PNG have refused to comment on these reports, adding weight to mounting concern in Port Moresby. Human rights lawyer and former PNG judge, Brian Brunton, has called on the Australian Prime Minister to issue a definitive statement, which spells out conditions under which Australian troops may be sent to Papua New Guinea.
Appearances are important.
While the Australian government has a responsibility to protect Australian citizens overseas, precautions need to be put in place to ensure that our troops do not inflame the current situation and are not used against the people of Bougainville or the PNG Defence Force. Last week the people of PNG successfully brought an end to Chan's mercenary plans. Prime Minister Howard needs to listen to the people of PNG who have strong objections to the use of foreign troops within their country.