Jan 17 2010
Bamahuta Leaving Papua
This book by Philip Fitzpatrick is related reading. It details his time as a kiap in Papua and New Guinea when those provinces were protectorates of Australia. Read more about it.
Papua New Guinea ‘Kiaps‘ have been paid high tribute in the Australian Federal Parliament. ‘BAMAHUTA LEAVING PAPUA‘ – a book by PHILIP FITZPATRICK, played a role in this endeavour. It details his life as a Kiap and was read by MPs: Scott Morrison, Duncan Kerr, John Faulkner
Scott Morrison MP moved a private member’s motion on Monday calling upon parliament to recognise the service of Australians employed as kiaps between 1949 and 1974 and to acknowledge the hazardous and difficult conditions that were experienced. A number of ex-kiaps and their families were present in the chamber to hear the speeches.
“The kiaps were an extraordinary group of young Australians who performed a remarkable service for the people of PNG,” Mr Morrison said. “They were some of our nation’s finest. Their adventurous spirit was matched only by their commitment to the wellbeing of the people of
PNG. Their story remains largely untold. More Australians need to know the story. It is deserving of recognition and much greater awareness.”
Bamahuta Leaving Papua is now available on Kindle