Cranagem, You might be right. OSH may develop, but when. PNG has...

Cranagem, You might be right. OSH may develop, but when. PNG has big problems. Here's a report from APT which sounds ominous.

In his opening address to PNG's seventh parliament, PNG's Governor-General Sir Silas Atopare was blunt about the challenges facing Australia's corrupt and crime-ridden neighbour.

"Every day in Papua New Guinea we hear of murder, rape, break-and-enter, landowner-related problems, and hijackings of businesses and families," Sir Silas told the parliament.

"Furthermore, the people are no longer safe at their workplace, in public places, on public transport and even at home.

"Our people simply cannot afford to bring their produce to the market."

Sir Silas called for an end to the exploitation of PNG's vast mineral wealth, which has done little to boost the nation's standard of living.

Resource developments must be more sustainable, he said.

"Should we sit back and allow exploitation of our resources in the name of economic resources, in the name of economic prosperity, and at the expenses of lives and cultural heritage of our country? Mr Speaker, the answer is simply no," Sir Silas said.

With the exception of a few veterans of PNG politics, most of the MPs in this parliament are first-timers.

Many of them were tribal leaders who were plucked from villages far away from Port Moresby to be MPs.

Sir Silas said the new government must tackle the "bold reforms" necessary to salvage the economy.

"We must act today in order to preserve tomorrow for Papua New Guinea," he said.

PNG's poor economic outlook was made worse by the country's shambolic national election.

At least 30 people died during the extended seven-week poll, which was hijacked in the highlands by armed bandits who stole and destroyed more than 250 ballot boxes.

As a result, the 109-seat parliament was forced to sit without six members from the strife-torn Southern Highlands, where supplementary polls are expected to be held later this year.

Australia, which granted independence to PNG in 1975, pumps more than A$350 million in aid each year into the country.

Be careful, mate.