The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, has commenced an inquiry into Australia’s response to the priorities of Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 16 May 2024

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee (the Committee), has commenced an inquiry into Australia’s response to the priorities of Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region. The inquiry was referred by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong with the attached terms of reference. The Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee, Mr Josh Burns MP, commented, “We look forward to hearing a range of stakeholder views on the key priorities for Pacific Island countries and the Pacific, including their concerns and aspirations for economic, environmental and social development in the region.” The Committee is also interested in hearing about the effectiveness of Australia’s aid programs in the Pacific and opportunities to strengthen linkages and partnerships, and climate change mitigation and adaptation responses in the Pacific. “During the inquiry, it will be important to consider Australia’s engagement in the Pacific and the alignment of initiatives and policies with the key priorities of Pacific Island nations.” Submissions from interested individuals and organisations addressing the terms of reference to this inquiry are invited by Friday, 28 June 2024. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Alissa Foster, Media Adviser, for Mr Josh Burns MP (Member for Macnamara; Chair, Foreign Affairs and Aid Subcommittee) Mobile: 0451 131 554 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.