ir Mekere said Mr Rudd was keen to see money spent here produce
outcomes.
Mr Philemon said nothing had worked even after aid changed from untied
to tied aid.
He said infant mortality rate is high, more young people are dropping
out of school, institutions are deteriorating.
“We were frank with Mr Rudd. We have enjoyed sizeable support, yet we
are not getting any where.”
He said there were real impediments which the Government should start
removing.
Sir Mekere said since the reform he introduced, there had been a period
of stability, with one Government now certain to complete two terms in
office.
“With the wealth we are receiving, we are supported to make a
difference, but we are not. We have no vision. The Government appears
confused about ownership and service. What is our role: to run
businesses or provide service?”
“Once the tide of prosperity we are enjoying recedes, we are going to be
left high and dry. We remain a fragile State. Underneath the prosperity,
we have problems, which we must address.”
He said the opposition wants Australia to review its aid programmes.
