QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:55): Thank you to Senator Cox for her question. She asked what this treaty means and how it helps further secure Australia's place in our region. I would say that this treaty is transformative for Australia and Vanuatu and for our region.
Today we welcomed Prime Minister Napat, Foreign Minister Ati and the Vanuatu delegation to Australia. Our countries share a deep and enduring partnership based on mutual respect, shared values and a common vision for our region. Today we have elevated that partnership through the Nakamal agreement, an agreement which supports Vanuatu's development aspirations and economic transformation and, crucially, strengthens the security of our region.
The Nakamal agreement has come about thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Napat and Prime Minister Albanese, and that is why we now have this important treaty which the prime ministers signed today. It sets out an enduring framework to strengthen our links and cultural connections and recognises Australia's role as Vanuatu's closest economic partner, security partner and development partner.
In Vanuatu the Nakamal is the place where chiefs and leaders come together to talk, to resolve issues and to work out the way forward, where decisions are made with mutual respect, trust and understanding. This agreement reflects that Pacific security belongs to and is the responsibility of the Pacific family. The agreement confirms our role as Vanuatu's primary policing partner and that Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military bases or infrastructure in its territory and will keep its critical infrastructure free from militarisation and any form of foreign interference.
With the signing of this agreement, the Albanese government has taken the next major step in our partnership with Vanuatu and our collective aspiration for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific. The PRESIDENT: Senator Cocks, first supplementary?