Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

the answer to the honourable senator’s question is as follows:

(1) Australia supports the principle of French Polynesia’s right to self-determination and also supports dialogue between France and French Polynesia on how best to realise that right. Australia joined other Forum countries in reaffirming this position at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Rarotonga in August 2012.

(2) The Communiqué of the Pacific Islands Forum in Cook Islands in August 2012 stated that “Leaders reiterated their support for the principle of French Polynesia’s right to self-determination. Leaders noted the election of a new French government that opened fresh opportunities for a positive dialogue between French Polynesia and France on how best to realise French Polynesia’s right to self-determination. Leaders encouraged French Polynesia and France to intensify their dialogue in the coming months and agreed to consider developments at their 2013 meeting”.

(3) Australia is not a member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and does not attend its meetings

(4) Yes.