By DALCY LULUA
A new book capturing the debates and voices that shaped Papua New Guinea’s path to independence has been launched, offering a rare glimpse into the thoughts, struggles, and aspirations of the nation’s early leaders.
Titled Debating the Nation -Speeches from the House of Assembly 1972–1975, the collection brings together key speeches from the transitional years leading up to independence in 1975, a period that defined the country’s political identity and set the foundation for statehood.
The launching took place earlier this month, which is part of the Australian High Commission’s Yumi Stap Wantaim Campaign, included a Q&A session with the authors Dr Brad Underhill (Deakin University) and Mr Keimelo Gima (University of Papua New Guinea).
Speaking at the launch, the two authors involved in compiling the book described it as “a bridge between generations”- a resource that not only documents the words of pioneers but also inspires current and future leaders to understand the sacrifices and vision behind the nation’s birth.
Dr Underhill said he and co-author Associate Professor Dr Helen Gardener from Deakin University discovered that the debates were not available in Papua New Guinea.
“We were keen to work with UPNG historian Keimelo Gima on a 50th anniversary project and felt that the digitizing of the parliamentary
debates would grant Papua New Guineans access to the foundation of their nation such as the Constitutional Planning Committee recommendations”.
Author Keimelo Gima (University of Papua New Guinea) said: “The fiftieth anniversary of Papua New Guinea we can read what was in the hearts and minds of members who represented the villagers, the towns, the Highlands and the islands of our nation, born on 16 September 1975.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, Ewen McDonald, wrote the book’s foreword. At the event he congratulated the authors for capturing the voices, debates and aspirations that guided Papua New Guinea to independence fifty years ago.
“The extracts from the Third House of Assembly debates between1972 and 1975 show the rich democratic tradition that guided Papua New Guinea’s journey to independence; a tradition that remains a cornerstone value of modern Papua New Guinea,” he said.
The launch was attended by academics and students which highlighted the significance of preserving these historical records. The book provides context to the spirited discussions in the House of Assembly, where founding leaders debated issues of governance, unity, and development, and the future of an independent Papua New Guinea.
The book has been praised for its contribution to civic education, providing readers- especially young Papua New Guineans with a deeper understanding of political history, the art of debate, and the values that guided the nation toward independence.
Debating the Nation-Speeches from the House of Assembly 1972–1975 is now available. The book is already printed a will be distributed to all schools in Papua New Guinea before the 50th Golden Jubilee but a PDF version of the book can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/o3bgq82i1r4fjkhcfweot/ANtLllVIt73I9SQv3u9R1q8?rlkey=vzdvuj4hfikcnsj57joqh4mz1&st=0qpjml4p&dl=0