3 Feb 2005

Bougainville representative says job offer an historic chance

2:26 pm on 3 February 2005

A longtime advocate for self-determination on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville says there will be much overseas interest in helping set up the first autonomous government in Bougainville.

Bougainville representatives are in Australia now interviewing for two positions, on one- to three-year contract to Ausaid, providing economic and resource development advice to the Government.

Elections for the new autonomous government are to begin on May the 20th.

Moses Havini, who's been based in Sydney, says many Australians and New Zealanders have an established relationship with Bougainville and will be keen to help.

"This is the most historical point in the development of the autonomous government of Bougainville, and that's where I think a lot of people would want to come in and give us a hand because they will actually be helping in creating a new creature, so to speak."

Sydney-based Moses Havini.