ABC Far North Queensland: Brendan Mounter

Love, power, and my PNG family — Dame Carol Kidu

When Carol, an Australian, and Buri Kidu, a young Papua New Guinea man, fell in love in the 1960s, their partnership defied convention.

They met as high school students, on a holiday camp. Their relationship deepened in Brisbane, where Carol became a teacher and Buri a lawyer.

In line with Buri's deep sense of duty, the couple married on the understanding they would return to PNG to live.

In Buri's home village near Port Moresby, Carol was determined to adapt to working and raising children in a social setting vastly different to her own background.

In 1980 Sir Buri became the nation's Chief Justice and Carol's life took yet another turn.

After her husband's premature death, Carol entered PNG politics, elected as the Member for South Moresby.

For years Carol was the only woman in a parliament of 108 men. She retired from office after her third term, in 2012.

Dame Carol Kidu DBE has been highly decorated in recognition of her services to Papua New Guinea.

She continues to be an active voice in the Pacific, promoting the causes of women's health and the representation of women in PNG politics.

Duration: 50min 33sec