Michael Kabuni
Biography
Publications
Michael Kabuni is a lecturer in political science at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea.
![It’s important to acknowledge PNG’s own interests with China](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-04/GettyImages-1730514108.jpg?itok=cGUcqrZq)
It’s important to acknowledge PNG’s own interests with China
And a big part of that is bargaining power with the West.
![Troubles and Puzzles: The 2022 General Elections in Papua New Guinea](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2022-08/Lowy_DefaultImage_new.jpg?itok=oIU1OsDc)
Journal Articles
Troubles and Puzzles: The 2022 General Elections in Papua New Guinea
Originally published in The Journal of Pacific History
![Bracing for 3000 Pacific Engagement Visas](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-06/Pacific%20fruit%20picker%20comp.jpg?itok=76loNIGc)
Bracing for 3000 Pacific Engagement Visas
Australia’s new permanent resident scheme must prioritise the people of the Blue Pacific who will be most impacted.
![Answers needed on the Pacific Engagement Visa](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-02/Immigration_Australia_Arrival_Melbourne.jpg?itok=6NazDtF4)
Answers needed on the Pacific Engagement Visa
Beyond practicalities, it’s unclear whether this is a genuine “Pacific family” partnership or geopolitical convenience?
![Papua New Guinea: Reining in MP slush funds](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-02/GettyImages-1244869959.jpg?itok=Lo_-q3fw)
Papua New Guinea: Reining in MP slush funds
Allowing individual MPs to decide where money should be spent – and who should be rewarded – comes at too high a price.
![With elections looming, PNG rushed to create seven new districts](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/7533371610_e861a68cea_o.jpg?itok=ITim78Ng)
With elections looming, PNG rushed to create seven new districts
While the opposition worries about gerrymandering, the flaws in the decision are more about the population count.
![The dual roles of PNG politicians, and why they fail at both](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1065264502.jpg?itok=8q74wMwr)
The dual roles of PNG politicians, and why they fail at both
By focusing on service delivery closer to home, MPs are neglecting their mandated role as national lawmakers.
![Politics and Covid-19 funds in Papua New Guinea](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1342410357.jpg?itok=qquWzyR1)
Politics and Covid-19 funds in Papua New Guinea
Putting the money in the hands of MPs could mean it will never be known just how the funds were used.
![Supreme Court and parliamentary politics in PNG](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/GettyImages-1146682105.jpg?itok=Jv4v4Z7q)
Supreme Court and parliamentary politics in PNG
A recent ruling on a vote of no confidence challenge may see the next government complete a term in parliament.