Ex-colonials to fight on

By VERONICA FRANCIS
ONE could tell from the lines on their faces and their grey hairs that they have lived long enough.
They are voicing their concerns for their rights to be recognised for their contribution to this nation and to find reparation for what they claim had been a violation of their human rights.
This group of elderly men and women from the ex-colonial association gathered in front of The National last week, declaring that they would not stop until their voices were heard.
Led by the group’s adviser Michael Manau Siriam, members and widows of those who served under the PNG command in 1975 declared they would pursue this matter in court and even to international courts if need be.
“We want to be recognised as Australian soldiers who served in the PNG command before 1975 because we were enlisted into the Defence Service under the Papua Act No. 9 of 1905-06, the Nationality and Citizenship Act No. 83 of 1948 and the Migration Act No. 62 of 1958, which identifies us as Australian soldiers during our service,” Siriam said.
He claimed that during their term while serving in the PNG command they were discriminated against and were denied certain rights which was a total violation of their rights by the Australian army.
“We do not want to jeopardise anything, all we want is for the public and responsible authorities to hear our cries and address our concerns,” he said.
The National learnt that the group currently has 75 active members which included widows and children of the deceased and had already submitted its file to the police association and will be given to the Investment Promotion Authority for registration anytime soon.
It is understood that a submission has been given to the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby and the ex-colonials have already received a response that the documents will be sent to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Canberra and the Australian Defence Force, however, to date, they are still waiting for the response.