On May 5, a union meeting of 300 police in PNG demanded that the Australian police serving in the country leave within 48 hours. In a statement, they explained that crime has risen since the 160 police arrived earlier this year. They also criticised the Australian cops’ attitude towards PNG police. Emergency negotiations between Australian and PNG police commanders had failed to produce any statement by May 8, although one was expected. When the $1.1 billion “assistance package” was promised by Canberra, Port Moresby said it would grant immunity from prosecution to Australian police serving in PNG. This is currently under court challenge, and Australian police commander Barry Turner has said Australia would withdraw the police if the challenge succeeds.

From Green Left Weekly, May 11, 2005.
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