Sir Peter Leslie Barter O.B.E. (1940-2022)

‘Australian by birth, a true Papua New Guinean at heart.’

Sir Peter first discovered his great love for Papua New Guinea from the air. Learning to fly, and needing to build up his flight hours, he was offered a job as a volunteer pilot with the Franciscan Catholic Mission in Aitape, Sandaun. From there, he joined TALAIR as a pilot, whilst also establishing their tourism division – Talco. Through his entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to showcase Papua New Guinea to the world, he quickly became known as the pioneer of Papua New Guinea’s international tourism industry.

Sir Peter would go on to purchase Talco – renaming it to Melanesian Tourism Services Pty. Ltd. (MTS) and like so many small businesses before him, operating from his house in Madang – which had become the town Sir Peter, and his family, now called home. His vision to build upon these humble beginnings would see him acquire the 45-room Hotel Madang which, over a 40-year period, would be transformed into what is now known as the Madang Resort and Kalibobo Village – recognised as one of the largest and most renowned hotel resorts in Papua New Guinea with 200+ rooms, cottages and villas, restaurants and event spaces; and complemented by an extensive selection of resort style recreational amenities including Niugini Dive Adventures – one of the most experienced dive operators in the country.

Sir Peter wasn’t only a successful businessman – he also enjoyed a long career in politics. First elected as the regional member for Madang Province in 1992, over the course of his time in office he held a number of different ministerial positions including Minister for Health, Provincial Affairs & Local Level Ministry; and in 2002 was appointed the Minister for Health and Bougainville. Throughout his esteemed career in public office, Sir Peter also held the positions of Governor of Madang and Acting Governor-General of Papua New Guinea.

Sir Peter was awarded an O.B.E. in 1997 and, in 2001, a Knights Bachelor for his public service to Papua New Guinea.

A passionate champion of changing the lives of the rural people, and their communities for the better, Sir Peter’s greatest accomplishment was in delivering a better public health system in Papua New Guinea. In 1983, Sir Peter established the Melanesian Foundation – through which tourists visiting Papua New Guinea are able to donate to - and which has contributed to the development of health clinics within rural village areas, undertaken maintenance of existing health centres and improved the facilities at many local schools.

Despite all his great business and political success, the achievement Sir Peter most valued was the respect he received from the local Melanesian people – many of whom referred to him as ‘Papa Peter’ or ‘Lapun Papa’.