Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bilyk and I apologise that Senator Birmingham and I were so engrossed that I didn't hear a question that I had in fact spoken with her about the importance of asking. I acknowledge and will come to those members of the Pacific family who are here today in the gallery.

We are seeking to build a stronger Pacific family by showing up and listening, by acting on climate change and by boosting our security cooperation and development assistance. The government's investment in maritime security, climate action, labour mobility, health and education will help our regional co-partners become more economically resilient, develop critical infrastructure and provide their own security. The investments the Albanese government has put in place will deliver on our commitments to build a stronger and more united Pacific family and a peaceful, prosperous and resilient region.

As foreign minister since the election, I've had the privilege of undertaking seven separate visits to the Pacific, visiting 11 countries and, importantly, attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji with the Prime Minister and Minister Conroy, the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister has visited PNG, Nauru, Tonga and Fiji, where he signed a landmark status of forces agreement. Minister Conroy has visited Fiji, PNG and Solomon Islands and last week attended in Vanuatu the first in-person Pacific Community ministerial conference—SPC—since the onset of the pandemic.

Australia is a proud founding member of the SPC, which is the largest scientific and technical regional organisation in the Pacific. For 75 years SPC has brought the Pacific together in the Pacific way for members to achieve our shared ambitions and face our shared challenges. I know Minister Conroy was so pleased to represent Australia in this important forum.