Recent articles on the history of ‘blackbirding’ in the Pacific should serve to shine the spotlight on the Australian Kokoda Tour Operators Association (KTOA) whose member lead treks across the Kokoda Trail.
The most abhorrent practice condoned by many KTOA members is the ‘student discount’ which allows them to claim a 50 per cent discount for their trek fees. This effectively means that subsistence villagers along the trail have to subsidise wealthy Australian private school students who trek with them. One can only hope that these school are unaware that they are participating in a modern adaption of blackbirding.
Of more concern is the fact that PNG leaders responsible for the welfare of their people along the trail allow themselves to be bullied into accepting such a practice by the KTOA.
Following is a snapshot of villagers along the trail who are being forced to subsidise wealthy Australian private school students. Why?
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Many of my friends both Oro and Koiari are work as porters. Oro wantoks say they do not get their fair share of portering jobs. Both Oro and Koiari complain about the low wages and over packed backpacks. Different companies pay rates range from 500 to 900 set rates no matter how many days. This just makes it worse. There is no opportunity to build rapport with the trekkers so less chance of a generous tip or donation of second hand clothes etc. The whole bloody thing needs a shake up!