 As a matter of policy , Curtin wanted Australian forces to be involved in liberating New Guinea . MacArthur therefore proposed that Australian troops relieve the American garrisons on New Britain , Bougainville and New Guinea . However , MacArthur baulked at Blamey 's proposal to replace the seven American divisions with just seven Australian brigades , resulting in the 6th Division being employed as well . The larger garrisons permitted offensive operations , and demanded them if the 6th Division was to be freed for employment elsewhere . These operations aroused considerable criticism on the grounds that they were unnecessary , that the troops should have been employed elsewhere , and that the Army 's equipment and logistics were inadequate . Blamey vigorously defended his aggressive policy to reduce the bypassed Japanese garrisons and free the civilian population , but some felt that he went too far in putting his case publicly in a national radio broadcast . He was also criticised for not spending enough time in forward areas , although he spent more than half his time outside Australia in 1944 , and between April 1944 and April 1945 travelled 65 @,@ 000 miles ( 105 @,@ 000 km ) by air , 7 @,@ 000 miles ( 11 @,@ 000 km ) by sea and 7 @,@ 500 miles ( 12 @,@ 100 km ) by land . Blamey urged that the 7th Division not be sent to Balikpapan , an operation that he regarded as unnecessary . On this occasion , he was not supported by the government , and the operation went ahead as planned . 
