Sir Michael Somare and Gough Whitlam clashed on PNG's path to independence

PNG will celebrate its 47th birthday later this year, but the quest for independence wasn’t straight forward.
Inspired by other newly independent nations at the 1965 South Pacific Conference, Papua New Guineans began to agitate for independence.
Eight years later, Australia granted PNG self-government and Sir Michael Somare was elected the Territory’s first Chief Minister.
But despite a desire for full independence many in PNG were worried about the speed with which Australia was pushing to end colonial rule. The issue came to a head in 1973 during a visit by Australia’s then Prime Minister Gough, and the ABC was there to record the developments.
You can watch more of these archival stories at the ABC Pacific Collection. www.abc.net.au/abc-internatio...
ABC International Development (ABCID) supports, connects and empowers people in the Asia-Pacific region, and globally, to have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. #ABCID
For more from ABCID, click here: www.abc.net.au/abc-internatio...
Like us on Facebook: / abcintdev

[@kawini7985]

Self-government to Indepence was too short. Should have allowed for at least a 30 to 50 year transition prior to independence. It amazing to realize that our people at the time in their capacity did object the idea of independence.

[@pokangkissing1554]

After nearly 50 years, Is PNG better off then Pre Independence?

[@JarryPalyoBui-bk1lm]

Papua New Guinea got Independence at right timing but the nation's resources management have been having problems in regarding public organization's management for last more than forty years.
These days most Papua New Guinea leaders of both elected and appointed are not following democratic principles to managing the public collective resources is a real aspect of the corruption situation in PNG.

[@buddyteine9109]

Salute, Sir Michael Somare🫡