Doorstop Parliament House, Canberra

Transcript, E&OE Subjects: Nakamal Agreement; Venezuelan earthquakes; Australian arrested in Thailand. 30 June 2026 Penny Wong, Foreign Minister : We're really pleased yesterday, that the Prime Minister signed the Nakamal Agreement with the Prime Minister of Vanuatu. This is a transformational breakthrough in our relationship with Vanuatu, and there will be more to come.

There will be more to come, because we understand as a Government that we are more secure as Australians if we have security in our region, if we have strong, stable relationships with our region, and the government is focused on that. Of course, we know that the Coalition could never have signed up to the Nakamal agreement, because it does continue to commit Australia to climate policy, and we know that the Coalition can’t commit to climate action, which was always their problem in the Pacific, over those many years they were in government.

Happy to take questions. : Just wondering if you can tell us about Australians caught up in Venezuela? Foreign Minister : We are providing consular assistance. I'm not in a position, because of privacy obligations, to disclose anything further, but we'll continue to provide assistance to people. : And also on the Australian in Thailand.

Foreign Minister : It's a horrific case, and I think we've all been horrified by what has happened, and our sympathy goes to the friends and family. But in relation to consular assistance, again as Minister, I'm bound by privacy obligations. We obviously provide consular assistance to Australians overseas where required. : Do you expect any feedback or kickback from China over the Nakamal Agreement?

Foreign Minister : I've been upfront with Australians that we are in a permanent contest in our region, and China is seeking to project its power and influence further into our region. Australia wants the Pacific family to work together, and that is why we are focused on these transformational agreements. We've signed quite a number, and there will be more to come.

Thank you.