My election to the Legislative Council in the New South Wales Parliament in September 1995 provided me with a political platform to advocate for the protection and interpretation of the Kokoda Trail.
I had positive private meetings with PNG’s Prime Minister and Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, in Port Moresby and Sydney, with Prime Minister John Howard in Canberra and with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in Port Moresby.
I was able to include politicians from both major parties to join me on the Trail, including Federal Members Scott Morrison MP and Jason Clare MP, and numerous State MPs, to enlist their support for the work that needed to be done as we discussed various issues during our treks.
I established a ‘Friends of Papua New Guinea’ group in the NSW Parliament and hosted numerous functions at Parliament House for the PNG Consul General, Sumasy Singin, who became a close friend over the course of his three-year tenure.
We also included media representatives from every major network who were overwhelmingly positive about all aspects of the pilgrimage.
Following is a selection of speeches I made to the Parliament during my tenure related to these topics:
I was fortunate to be able to leave politics at a time of my own choosing after having the privilege of serving for 20 years service in Parliament which included an apppointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans Affairs in New South Wales.
I was afforded the opportunity to make a valedictory speech which offeres retiring MPs to reflect on their time in the Parliament. I chose to focus on the impact of my involvement with our veteran community, the Kokoda Trail and our relationship with Papua New Guinea.
