Australia’s relationships with the countries of the Pacific islands region are many and varied. This policy brief focuses on how Australia can further develop and strengthen its relationships with Pacific island countries and with the Pacific islands region more generally.

The Whitlam Institute has published this policy research into the relationship between Australia and some of its closest neighbours. The research shows a broad range of people in three of Australia’s closest Pacific countries – Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu – are concerned Australia does not know how to engage successfully as part of the...

The release of Australia's Foreign Policy White Paper late last year had been much anticipated, not least because it was the first such paper in over a decade. Notable was that the Pacific island region (including Timor-Leste) had been accorded a chapter of its own.

This submission was provided to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade to inform them on the context of private sector engagement in the Pacific island region. Summary of key points Private sector growth is a key contributor to alleviating poverty Interventions to promote growth must promote inclusivity and minimise risks associated...