Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Back for his question. Australia's 2016 Defence white paper identified the security and stability of Australia's immediate neighbourhood as our highest strategic priority after the defence of Australia. Australia's aid program has a key role in promoting a safe and stable neighbourhood and wider region. Our aid complements our diplomatic, trade, defence and policing activities. Our support helps our regional partners to be peaceful, democratic, well governed and to follow the rule of law.

As we know, the causes of instability and conflict can be complex. That is why Australia's aid program is well targeted where it can make the biggest difference. We work to strengthen law and order, reduce conflict, fight corruption and improve access to justice. We have a strong record, and this was very much demonstrated by the achievements of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, called RAMSI. RAMSI has been a Pacific success story and over 13 years has helped to rebuild law and order institutions, stabilise government finances in that country, restore business confidence and create the conditions for development and economic growth in the Solomon Islands.

Of course, as the largest country in the neighbourhood, we are the principle security partner for our Pacific neighbours. Under our Pacific Maritime Security Program we are providing replacement maritime patrol boats to 12 Pacific island countries from 2018. Through our aid program we are also supporting neighbouring countries to counter terrorism and violent extremism.

For long-term stability, governments need to provide security as well as services and economic opportunity, and aiding priority areas enables economic growth, which in turn— (Time expired)