Schnaubelt admits decision to join politics was inspired by Uncle Sir J

Monday, 3 February 2025, 11:49 am

Late Sir Julius Chan sharing cake with his nephew and Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt during the 2023 Special Provincial Assembly meeting in Kavieng (Image: Namatanai Star)

Two-term Prime Minister and one of the country's founding fathers, the late Sir Julius Chan inspired his nephew, and Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt to enter politics.

Schnaubelt's mom, Louisa is Sir J's eldest sister.

The Transport and Civil Aviation Minister in a revealing and moving tribute to Sir Julius fondly recalled growing up and being taken care of by his uncle and aunt - Lady Stella.

Schnaubelt was his uncle, Sir Julius caddy, or companion at the golf course when he was playing.

He recounted even accompanying Sir Julius out on his electoral visits without realizing that this would somehow inspire him to enter politics.

“And then when I came of age, started going to boarding school, I started realizing and appreciating this stature of a man, who he is,” Schnaubelt said of Chan.

“And when he became Prime Minister in 1981, I was in boarding school. You couldn't wipe away the happiness that I felt at that time.

“He was an inspirational person to me. He inspired me. Maybe he planted the seed of politics in me.
“I don't know how I don't know why, but it all happened.”

Schnaubelt was first elected to the 10th National Parliament in the 2017 General Elections as a member of the Namatanai Open seat under the National Alliance Party banner.

He joined the opposition caucus under the leadership of Patrick Pruaitch before moving over to James Marape-led government in 2019.

Schnaubelt was later appointed Transport and Civil Aviation Minister in a minor cabinet reshuffle in 2022.

The Namatanai MP remembered consulting Sir Julius for endorsement when the thought of entering politics emerged stronger, but he was denied on four occasions.

Despite the denial, Schnaubelt said his respect for Uncle Sir Julius remained.

“The only right and respectful thing to do towards any uncle of such stature was to be courteous, respectful enough to go and ask him for an appointment and sit down with him, man to man, and put your queries or questions on the table,” he said.

Schnaubelt concluded by admitting to taking on the challenge left by Sir Julius – a huge void but thanked him for the service and for making their family proud.

Schnaubelt was speaking at the national haus krai in Port Moresby on Sunday.