By Patrick Lion, News Limited Network
PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd has described himself as a "survivor" of
the Kokoda Track where hundreds of Australian soldiers were killed in
World War II.
On the final day of his two-day trip to Papua New Guinea, Mr Rudd
announced Australia would increase financial support for health and
hospitals in Papua New Guinea to help save lives.Australia will also deploy 50 police to PNG by the end of the year.
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| Prime Minister Kevin Rudd gave Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill a Queensland State of Origin jersey. |
Mr Rudd said the assistance was worthy as Australians had a soft spot for PNG given 3000 Australians walked the Kokoda Track each year.
"I was one of them way back then and I am survivor of the Kokoda Track," the PM said.
"This is a good investment for Australia and a good investment for PNG."
Kevin Rudd walked Kokoda with Joe Hockey and David Koch as part of a segment for .
Mr Hockey was filmed pulling Mr Rudd out of rapids and has since joked he should have left him there.
The Kokoda Track was where more than 600 Australians were killed during the World War II campaign against the Japanese.
Mr Rudd said funding support for improved health in Papua New Guinea was a key agreed priority under the Australia-Papua New Guinea Partnership for Development.
Australian will provide just over $160 million over four years to 2016.
Mr Rudd said this additional funding would ensure continued availability of quality assured medical supplies for 2,700 health facilities across Papua New Guinea.
It will build on Australia's existing support for pharmaceuticals procurement and distribution.
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