It is in Australia's national interests that our foreign policy fosters engagement with our partners in the region that enables sharing of knowledge, resources and democratic institutions. Australia can work alongside countries in our region in a way that aligns with the local priorities, enhance both countries institutions, and build on our strong bilateral relationships.

As this report outlines, supporting democracy requires broad policy efforts such as civil participation, health, development, and climate change to practical partnerships in areas ranging from elections to media. The report explores the breadth and depth of our relationships and how these can be fostered at levels beyond government to government.

The recommendations outlined in this report underscore a path forward, emphasising the necessity for proactive engagement, robust partnerships, and sustained efforts to bolster democratic institutions and shared values within our region.

This report recommended three main issues:

1. Improve the relationship by working with the Pacific and deepening relationships beyond just the capitals.
2. Invest in Australia’s Pacific literacy by promoting knowledge of the Pacific for Australians and working with the Pacific diaspora communities to build greater capacity in the region.
3. Improve Australia’s own domestic policies on Indigenous Australians, climate change policy and inequality of trade opportunities.