I’m confused. In your editorial (The National, Feb 20), “Time for a PNG travel advisory”, you were critical of the latest Australian travel advice to PNG. And yet in an editorial in June 2007 you were full of praise for the truth and accuracy of similar advice at the time.
Your 2007 editorial noted that the advice “echoed existing situations known to everyone” and “did not appear to exaggerate the truth”.
Given that the main elements of the travel advice have not changed in the last seven months, it’s difficult to understand your change of heart.
In 2007, you urged readers to make the effort to understand travel advisories – why they’re issued, who they’re intended for and what are the dangers they’re intended to guard against.
Our travel advisories are just that: advice.
They are not designed to stop people travelling. In addition to information about security, they provide useful, practical tips on travelling such as health, visa and local laws information.
Ultimately, however, individuals remain responsible for their own choices about travel.
I would encourage you to follow your own advice and improve your understanding of travel advisories and Australia in general.
 

Leigh Arnold
Public diplomacy manager,
Australian High Commission,
Port Moresby.