By Jim Baynes
THE PNG parliament was in uproar as politicians slammed a report suggesting the country would collapse unless Australia intervened.
So furious was Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare that he referred the report's authors - including one of the country's most respected analysts - to the Privileges Committee for investigation.
Australia's Centre for Independent Studies report released today said corruption and lawlessness were rampant and that the government had lost control of parts of the country.
The report said Australia's "hands off" approach to PNG had failed since independence in 1975.
This prompted nearly three hours of angry speeches from PNG politicians, much of it directed at Australia, which donates $A350 million a year to PNG.
Arthur Somare, the PM's son, Governor of East Sepik and national MP, was furious at suggestions PNG leaders were corrupt and incompetent.
"We will affect change but we will do it our way," Arthur Somare told parliament.
He felt particularly betrayed that co-author Mike Manning - the head of PNG's Institute of National Affairs - had been so outspoken about the country's problems.
"Shame on people like Mike Manning," he said.
"Shame on him because he has so much influence, shame on him because he contributed to so many reports which are damning to PNG investment," he told parliament.
He also attacked Australian journalists for publishing the report.
The report said generous international aid and mining revenues had been siphoned off to subsidise the lifestyle of a small group of business and political leaders at the expense of development.
It said PNG's violent crime rates were "soaring".
Some MPs said the report had some merit.
"We should take stock of ourselves. We should realise that some of the things they are saying are true," said MP Bire Kimisopa.
"We can't be here pretending that this country's okay.
Because none of you, members in this house, would be game enough to take your wife and your kids by the hand and go marching into (the Port Moresby suburb of) Gerehu at night," he said.
"We should never use this forum to bash Australia all the time," said Kimisopa.
Outspoken MP Peter Yama disagreed. He said the report's authors should be jailed.
"Put them in Bomana (prison) for seven years, or something," yelled Yama.
AAP
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