15 Sep 2005

PNG prime minister says he doesn't want Australian police to return

6:22 am on 15 September 2005

The prime minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare, says he doesn't want Australian police to return to his country.

Australia and PNG had reached a tentative agreement last month to allow about 30 Australian police to work in PNG as advisers to the local force.

More than 150 Australian police officers withdrew in May after the PNG Supreme Court ruled they weren't immune from local prosecution.

In an interview broadcast last night on SBS television, Sir Michael said Australia wants to control the region.

Mr Somare rejected suggestions that Papua New Guinea needed Australian aid to avoid becoming a failed state.