The report of the Inquiry into Defence relationships in the Pacific undertaken by Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was tabled today. Chair of the Sub-Committee Andrew Wallace MP said that Defence and security challenges faced in the Pacific are now more prevalent and complex than ever before.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 12 May 2021

The report of the Inquiry into Defence relationships in the Pacific undertaken by Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade was tabled today. Chair of the Sub-Committee Andrew Wallace MP said that Defence and security challenges faced in the Pacific are now more prevalent and complex than ever before. “It behoves all members of our Pacific family to be aware of emerging issues, and to face them together in an organised, collaborative, and coordinated manner. As a regional medium-power, Australia bears significant responsibility for creating the environment and providing the means to achieve this.” he said. The inquiry report and its recommendations reflect the fact that there are several existing and proven defence initiatives and programs which contribute significantly to the Pacific Step-up. These include the long-standing Defence Cooperation Program and the Pacific Maritime Security Program. The report also indicates that there are ways to improve these initiatives, as well as new and innovative ways to forge, deepen and strengthen defence ties between members of the Pacific family. This is where the future of Australian defence relationships should be focussed. “From fisheries management, protection and surveillance, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, intelligence collection and sharing, climate change and the global pandemic, Australia’s defence organisation stands ready to play its part in the Pacific Step-up. There is, however, more to be done.” Mr Wallace said. This Parliamentary inquiry examined Australia’s Defence relationships with Pacific Island nations in the context of the Pacific Step-up. The inquiry heard from a range of Academic, Government, and Non-Government Agencies over two days of public hearings in July 2020 and via a number of written submissions provided to the Sub-Committee from Government agencies, academia and individuals. While the conduct of the inquiry was impacted by COVID-19, the submissions received, and evidence heard at public hearings was of the highest quality and the committee thanks all of those who contributed to it. This report and its recommendations reflect the committee’s belief that Australia’s defence relationships in the Pacific are extremely important, are becoming increasingly so, and that additional efforts can and should be made to ensure the security of our region in the years to come. Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can also be obtained from the committee’s website. Media inquiries Andrew Wallace, Chair, Defence Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simon Thwaites 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations will be re-examined in the context of the Pacific Step-up as two days of public hearings get underway in Canberra. The Defence Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from academics, Government Departments and Non-Government Agencies across the two days to help explore how far Australia’s activities correspond to the needs of our partner nations in the Pacific and how they might be better co-ordinated.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations will be re-examined in the context of the Pacific Step-up as two days of public hearings get underway in Canberra. The Defence Sub-committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hear from academics, Government Departments and Non-Government Agencies across the two days to help explore how far Australia’s activities correspond to the needs of our partner nations in the Pacific and how they might be better co-ordinated. Sub-Committee Chair Andrew Wallace says the public hearings are an important opportunity to build on the evidence already received through written submissions and will help the Sub-Committee make a real contribution to understanding the effectiveness of Australia’s defence engagement with the region at a complex time. ‘This is a chance for us to hear in more depth from some of the best-informed experts in the field. In addition to the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence, we are looking forward to hearing from academic witnesses from institutions including the Australian National University and Western Sydney University,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘Combined with the evidence we have already received from Governments including those of Tonga, New Zealand and the Philippines, and the information we have from agencies on the ground, I believe this Sub-Committee will have all the insight we need to help the Government to make the most of Australia’s defence work with our Pacific partners.’ Further details about the about the inquiry, including terms of reference, details on how to contribute a submission and, when available, details of public hearings and roundtable discussions, can also be obtained from the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday 15 July 2020 Time: 8.50am to 4:30pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra. Date: Thursday 16 July 2020 Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra. The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live Media inquiries Andrew Wallace, Chair, Defence Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simon Thwaites 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

A new Parliamentary inquiry will examine Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations in the context of the Pacific Step-up.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 5 December 2019

  A new Parliamentary inquiry will examine Australia’s Defence relationship with Pacific Island nations in the context of the Pacific Step-up. The inquiry will be conducted by the Defence Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and Sub-Committee Chair Andrew Wallace says the inquiry will examine how Australia’s Defence Cooperation programs and Pacific Step-up activities correspond to the needs, requests and feedback from partner nations in the Pacific. ‘We recognise that there may be opportunities for closer coordination and collaboration between Defence and other Government departments on Australian programs and activities across the South West Pacific, as well as between other nations seeking to invest and engage in the region,’ Mr Wallace said. ‘This inquiry will examine the relationship between Defence’s longstanding Cooperation Program and its Step-up activities and evaluate whether these existing programs are effective in meeting the needs of Pacific Island nations.’ The inquiry will include a review of the current activities and outcomes undertaken by Defence in the South West Pacific and gauge the effectiveness of the planning and execution of joint activities and preparation for Humanitarian and Disaster Relief efforts. The Defence Sub-Committee invites submissions from anyone with an interest in the issues raised by the terms of reference, which are available on the committee’s website. Submissions should be lodged by 20 February 2019. Further details about the inquiry, including how to contribute, can also be obtained from the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Andrew Wallace, Chair, Defence Sub-Committee Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Contact: Simon Thwaites 0439 972 667 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au