How Australia’s segregated colony agitated for independence | The Pacific | ABC News

Key Concepts:

• Australian Colonial Rule: Australia's governance of Papua New Guinea (PNG) from the early 20th century until independence in 1975.
• Segregation and Hierarchy: The discriminatory treatment of indigenous Papuans under Australian rule, including restricted access to housing and services.
• Independence Movement: The growing opposition to colonial rule in PNG and changing attitudes in Australia.
• Gough Whitlam: Australian Prime Minister whose government supported PNG's independence.
• National Unity: The challenge of uniting PNG's diverse population under a single national identity.
• Michael Somare: PNG's first Prime Minister, who played a key role in leading the country to independence.
• Post-Independence Challenges: The ongoing issues facing PNG, including poverty, gender-based violence, and unemployment.

1. Historical Context and Australian Colonial Rule:

• In 1884, Germany took control of northeastern New Guinea, prompting Britain to declare the southern part a British protectorate.
• By 1906, Australia gained full control of the British protectorate.
• During World War I, Australia occupied the German-held side of New Guinea.
• After World War I, Australia was granted control over both territories.
• World War II saw a Japanese invasion, but Australians, with help from Papuans, fought back. The "Cakakota legend" was born.
• After World War II, Australia took direct control of Papua New Guinea.

2. Segregation and Discrimination:

• A clear hierarchy existed, with Europeans enjoying privileged housing and services.
• Signs reading "no natives and dogs allowed" exemplified the discriminatory treatment of indigenous Papuans.
• The video highlights the resentment this caused, with one individual questioning the right to impose such restrictions.

3. The Path to Independence:

• Opposition to colonial rule grew stronger in PNG, and attitudes in Australia began to change.
• Gough Whitlam, elected as Australian Prime Minister, advocated for equality and ending racist policies.
• Whitlam stated that Australia was "no longer willing to be the ruler of a colony."

4. The Challenge of National Unity:

• Uniting Papua New Guinea's diverse population under one national identity was a significant challenge.
• A survey of 1,000 indigenous student teachers revealed that 80% predicted serious tribal fighting after independence, and 60% foresaw rule by a dictator.

5. Michael Somare's Leadership:

• Michael Somare emerged as a key figure in the independence movement.
• He believed that the sooner the people of PNG were responsible for their own affairs, the better it would be for them.
• Somare was described as energetic, charismatic, and possessing a "very big heart," enabling him to build bridges across the region.

6. Independence Day and Somare's Address:

• A date for independence was set, marking an emotional moment for the people of PNG.
• In a midnight radio address on Papua New Guinea's first day of existence, Somare acknowledged that the nation had achieved full nationhood without fighting and bloodshed.

7. Post-Independence Challenges and Progress:

• The video notes that PNG had avoided a bloodbath, national split, coups, or immediate economic disaster.
• However, it acknowledges that the nation faced myriad problems, and Michael Somare's hold on power was tenuous.
• Colonization left an indelible mark on PNG, and the nation continues to grapple with poverty, gender-based violence, and unemployment.

8. Conclusion:

• Despite the challenges, PNG has made significant strides since independence.
• There is a shared sense of urgency for greater progress among the people of Papua New Guinea.