On behalf of the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, I express the deep sorrow of the Australian people at the passing of Sir Charles Watson Lepani KBE CBE OBE.
Sir Charles was a proud advocate for Papua New Guinea and a great friend to Australia. His impact on the deep and meaningful relationship between our two countries continues to be felt. He will be sorely missed.
Sir Charles’ connection to Australia was forged early, attending high school in Queensland and through study at the University of New South Wales. He became involved in PNG’s independence movement following his participation in a televised debate alongside the future Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and Charlie Barnes, then Minister for External Affairs. He was awarded the inaugural scholarship to study industrial relations at the University of PNG under the mentorship of Bob Hawke.
In Port Moresby, Sir Charles proved one of the great stewards of a newly independent Papua New Guinea.
In Australia, we remember Sir Charles as one of PNG’s finest diplomats. His service as High Commissioner to Australia from 2005 to 2017, including time as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, made him the longest-serving representative of any country to Australia.
During that time in particular, Sir Charles shaped our bilateral relationship for the better.
He fiercely believed that our relationship should be one between equals and partners. It is that belief that today sits at the heart of our modern Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership.
Sir Charles also knew that the strength of our relationship was in the people connections that bind us together – historically, but also into the future. The initiatives our governments have put in place to strengthen those connections are undeniably part of his legacy.
We see Sir Charles in our historic agreement last year to establish a PNG National Rugby League franchise, too. Though his support for the new PNG team would have needed to sit alongside, rather than replace, his love for the Wests Tigers.
Sir Charles’ life was truly one of service, fuelled by a belief in the nation of Papua New Guinea and its people.
Sir Charles’ calm and steadying leadership was epitomised through his role as Director General overseeing PNG’s historic hosting of APEC in 2018.
His passion for equitable growth and development will serve as inspiration for future generations in this, the fiftieth anniversary year of PNG’s independence.
We offer our deepest sympathies to Lady Katherine Lepani, Sir Charles’ family, and the people of Papua New Guinea.