Quiz time: Which nation governed Papua New Guinea prior to its independence 50 years ago?

If you didn't know the answer is Australia, you're not alone.

Many teachers express surprise to learn Australia was PNG's colonial power to 1974, says an historian who urges Australians to pay more attention to their closest neighbour.

PNG's independence anniversary celebrations and a new defence pact between the two nations are opportunities to learn more about the colonial relationship up to 1975, Monash University's Nicholas Ferns says.

The historian of Australia's colonial relationship with PNG told AAP the school curriculum did not focus on Australia as a colonial power.

"When I speak to teachers and I spend time harping on about Australia governing PNG I'm often met with surprise," he said.

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