Bendigo father-of-two Peter Holliday and occupational therapist Kelly Weire were among 13 people killed when their light plane, bound for the Kokoda Track, crashed into dense jungle in August last year.

The crash killed nine Australians.

Yesterday, Mr Holliday’s stepfather Keith Sutherland said reports that the investigation had stalled were distressing for the family. The investigation is on hold because PNG’s only air crash investigator, Sid O’Toole, has not had his contract renewed by the transport department.

Mr Sutherland said the approaching anniversary had been difficult for the family, in particular Mr Holliday’s wife Shonia.

“The family involved is waiting on what seems like a never-ending process,” he said.

“The anniversary is coming around and there is a lot of heartache. The family will never get over this, but most importantly we want the Papua New Guinea government to take some action to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

“A lot of lives are on hold and it’s just not fair.

“It’s really frustrating,” he said.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau senior investigator Neil Campbell said they were still helping the PNG government.

“We’re aware the air safety investigator has not had his contact renewed,” he said.

“We’re doing our best to keep the investigation going.”