4 Jan 2006

Tributes paid to former Papua New Guinea prime minister

11:22 am on 4 January 2006

Tributes are being paid to the former prime minister of Papua New Guinea, Sir William Skate, who's died in hospital in Australia.

Sir William was airlifted to Brisbane Hospital on Saturday after suffering a stroke.

Ben Lowings reports.

"Bill Skate spent two years as premier, between 1997-99, and he also served as speaker and governor general. He came from a poor background and he fought allegations of links to criminal gangs in Port Moresby. The Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said Sir William would be well remembered for his contribution towards ending civil war in Bougainville. Sir William was knighted last year and he's survived by his wife, Lady Rarua, and four children."