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

Australia benefits greatly from peace and stability in our region. Solomon Islands is a very, very close neighbour and, as a neighbour and a friend, we have a significant national interest in that state, as we have in the ongoing security of the Pacific and of our Pacific Island neighbours. Can I remind the Senate that our defence white paper said that, after the defence of Australia, the stability and security of our region is paramount.

We do not want to see a repeat of what happened in RAMSI. We do not want to see a repeat of the circumstances that led to an intervention like RAMSI. Without RAMSI's work it is possible and highly probable that the Solomon Islands could have disintegrated into a failed state, therefore becoming a safe haven for all sorts of transnational crimes, including narcotics, money laundering and arms. In conclusion, could I pay tribute to those Australians who served in RAMSI. (Time expired)