It's PNG's call on aid money

Australia's response to PNG's rejection of an $800 million aid package:

The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, says it is up to PNG to decide whether it accepts the aid.

"If we are generous enough to go and offer another country $800 million worth of assistance and they want that, then we'll agree to do that, that's entirely satisfactory," he said.

"But ultimately it's for them to benefit from, not us. It's going to be a cost to us."

Now all the government need do is hold to that line. All PNG need do is shut up and take the money.