SRC misleading members in opposing asylum deal

 THE University of PNG (UPNG) is the premier learning institution in PNG and the Pacific. 

Therefore, its decisions concerning national issues must be well researched. 

Let me assure the student representative council (SRC) president and the executives that the asylum deal is a win-win case. 

The message was clear when Prime Minister Peter O’Neill signed the deal with Australia; we need the money for infrastructure developments around the country. 

We cannot wait for the LNG project at the expense of our dying brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers as there are no proper hospitals, roads and bridges. 

The Prime Minister only expanded the terms of the previous agreement made by the Somare government. 

The refugees will also not be staying here permanently as they will be relocated to other countries. 

Historically, Australia has had a good relationship with PNG right from the Kokoda Track to the Bomana Memorial Cemetery. 

Our men fought with their hearts while the Australians fought with guns and bombs and together, we won our part of World War II.

Partly because of our war contributions, the Australians gave us our independence. 

Australia is like a father to us and will never leave or betray us. 

It is only here to help manage and guide us as we struggle  to  go forward. 

We must not talk simply for the sake of talking. 

Thinking positively about ourselves is only profitable when we admit our constraints. We must humble ourselves and learn from our father nation, Australia. 

The SRC president and executives have blindly gone on to burn a copy of the asylum deal signed between O’Neill and Kevin Rudd. They even attempted to burn the Australian flag

Did they think of  their many countrymen and women training, working and studying in Australia while benefitting in numerous ways? 

Be wise and think big next time, students. 

Lewis Danny

Former UPNG SRC president,  Via email