"For too long, Australia has not been as good a partner as we would have liked," Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated during a visit to Solomon Islands in June 2024.

Our relationships under the Coalition had deteriorated drastically, and we had a lot of repair work to do.

Key Policy Initiatives

The Labor government has implemented several signature Pacific initiatives:

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme: Expanded to increase economic benefits to Pacific economies while addressing workforce shortages in Australia

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia's first permanent migration pathway for Pacific Islanders, with 3,000 visas annually

$1.4 billion security package: Supporting maritime security capability, infrastructure, and policing

$190 million Solomon Islands security agreement: Strengthening the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force with training and equipment

Falepili Union with Tuvalu: Treaty recognising Tuvalu's statehood despite climate impacts and providing migration pathways

Climate Action and Infrastructure

Australia has legislated its commitment to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030, backed by practical support for Pacific climate priorities:

• $100 million investment in the Pacific Resilience Facility

• Support for Vanuatu's climate initiative at the International Court of Justice

• The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific has committed $1.25 billion to 14 projects across nine countries

Strategic Context

Australia's renewed Pacific engagement occurs amid growing regional strategic competition. The 2024 Lowy Institute Poll shows one-third of Australians rate China as the most influential player in the Pacific.

Foreign Minister Wong has described Australia's approach as seeking "strategic equilibrium" that balances deterrence, diplomacy and development.

[1] https://ministers.dfat.gov.au/minister/pat-conroy/speech/albanese-governments-pacific-agenda-reshaping-relationships-reshaping-how-we-see-ourselves

[2] https://www.voanews.com/a/australia-deals-with-pacific-nations-aim-to-curb-china-s-influence/7904314.html

[3] https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australians-watching-pacific-concern-care

[4] https://nsc.anu.edu.au/content-centre/article/opinion/australias-foreign-policy-not-simply-about-containing-china

[5] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-20/australia-announces-solomon-islands-security-deal/104749848

[6] https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/delivering-peaceful-prosperous-and-resilient-pacific

[7] https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/pacific