Everyone lost, divers, local employees, the villagers who "owned" various dive sites, etc.
Not so. In corrupt societies like PNG and parts of Asia, the few recipients of corrupt payments do not lose. Indeed, in the 20 plus years since I left PNG, an extremely wealthy elite has emerged. Rumour has it that a hand full of past and present politicians have wealth measured in hundreds of millions of Kina. They are surrounded by a society of guards, fixers, enforcers and hangers on, all of whom live off that wealth.
The little guy suffers but the wealthy elite don't give a dam.
Australian aviation is fundamentally safe, professional, competent and innovative with an acceptably low accident rate. That is a result of the integrity, professionalism and training of the operators, pilots and engineers. CASA can not take any credit, indeed, CASA's involvement may on occasion, be detrimental to the safety of aviation in Australia.