Outcome of B’ville vote matter for PNG: Payne

AUSTRALIA takes no position on the outcome of the votes and the process of the Bougainville referendum, says the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Women Marise Payne.
Responding to questions on Bougainville at a media conference on Monday, Payne said Australia has been working very closely with the Referendum Commission and where appropriate with the PNG Government.
“Australia has been working very closely with the Referendum Commission and where appropriate with the government of PNG,” she said.
“I have visited Bougainville on my last visit here with Sir Puka Temu, very valuable opportunity and to see in person and meet with leading members of the ABG and the leading members of the community including women peace builders.
“The outcome is entirely a matter for Bougainvilleans and PNG.
“We will do anything we can to asking in ensuring that referendum takes place in appropriate fashion.
“We all agreed that the leadership of Sir Puka Temu as Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Bougainville Affairs and the role of minister in Bougainville is ensuring that those processes are taking place as they should and they must and we look forward to the vote commencing on November 23.”