How much of a family is Aust?

I AM not interested in geopolitics of the Pacific but I am concerned that the Australian prime minister is calling us (PNG) his family.
I have always believed that PNG is family to Australia on many fronts.
Firstly, we were young and lost and in our innocence you natured us, fed and clothed us until we were able to stand on our two feet.
Secondly, when you were at war we fought beside you on our home soil.
The war was never meant to be ours, however, we were prepared to sacrifice our life for a family member.
Among many other experiences and coupled by the fact that we have always had Melanesians living in the Torres Strait (i.e. all non-Aboriginals) and an increasing PNG community in Australia now, we have always been a family member.
We do not have to wait for an Australian prime minister to remind us of that us Apec day.
However, on the day that PNG changed its foreign policy to look north, Australia’s grip on this family member loosened.
Australia over the years has tried to lure PNG, but we have slowly drifted away to the north.
PNG also invited her brothers from the Pacific to meet China during Apec.
PNG would not have done so if Australia had not abandoned its family member.
Rather than setting up the Pacific office now and trying to do what you could have years ago, think big and rescue PNG and the Pacific before the wedding bells ring.
Your proposal to fund major electricity and internet rollout services is a step in the right direction.

Hela Opone
Family Member, Wabag