QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr CONROY (Shortland—Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Minister for Defence Industry) (14:09): I thank the member for her question and her advocacy for the Pacific. Australia turns up in the Pacific. We listen, and we act on Pacific priorities.

As the PM said, as a proud member of the Pacific family, we support the collective security and prosperity of the entire region. We do this because our security and prosperity depend upon a safe and stable region. Today marks an important moment in our relationship with Vanuatu.

Nakamal is Australia's first comprehensive bilateral agreement with Vanuatu ever. I note that a nakamal is a traditional Vanuatu meeting place where communities come together, and it is with great pleasure that we welcome Prime Minister Napat and members of his cabinet to Canberra. The name of this city comes from the Ngunnawal word for 'meeting place'.

Nakamal began with a request from Vanuatu, and both countries have taken the time to ensure it delivers for both parties. Today's agreement confirms that Australia is Vanuatu's largest and most significant economic, security and development partner. Building on Vanuatu's strong participation in the PALM scheme, Nakamal will support skills development in Vanuatu by establishing a traineeship program with Australian recognised qualifications.

We'll also support Vanuatu's participation in the digital economy. This is all designed to focus on Vanuatu's development priorities. It recognises the existential threat posed by climate change in the Pacific and will support access to on-grid and off-grid energy for Vanuatu communities.

Australia and Vanuatu share close cultural connections between our Melanesian, South Sea Islander and First Nations communities, and the Nakamal agreement honours these ties and includes actions to strengthen them, especially for those affected by the historical practice of blackbirding. As is right for good friends, in the event of a natural disaster, Australia, through this treaty, commits to supporting Vanuatu with humanitarian assistance.

Importantly, this is an agreement that respects the sovereignty of both Vanuatu and Australia. It recognises that Pacific security is a shared responsibility of Pacific Islands Forum members. Nakamal formalises in a treaty Vanuatu's sovereign decision to not permit its territory to be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure and that Vanuatu's critical infrastructure will remain free from militarisation and foreign interference.

There's no doubt that the safety and security of our region depends on the strength of our relationships. At its heart, Nakamal is about respect, trust and understanding. It strengthens and formalises our partnership as we walk forward together as two sovereign nations.

To Prime Minister Napat, his ministers and, through them, the people of Vanuatu, I say tankyu tumas. Ostrelia mo Vanuatu oli bambae fren forever. Australia and Vanuatu will forever be friends.