QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
Mr CONROY (Shortland—Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Minister for Defence Industry) (14:41): I thank the member for her question and for her deep interest in this area. We're in a permanent contest in the Pacific and the Albanese government is strengthening relationships with our neighbours to deliver in the national interest. We turn up, we listen and act on Pacific priorities.
We do this because the Pacific is our home, and our security and prosperity depend upon the security and prosperity of the region. Yesterday we tabled two landmark treaties with Fiji, the Ocean of Peace Alliance and the Vuvale Union. The Ocean of Peace is Fiji's first alliance and only our fourth.
Through 125 years of Federation, Australia has had two allies. In the last year under this Prime Minister we've doubled that number. Entering an alliance is the greatest act of trust possible between two countries, promising to come to each other's aid at a time of existential danger.
But assuming this responsibility with Fiji was a natural step. We have a proud history of serving together and will now cooperate even more closely and develop even deeper levels of interoperability. The alliance also creates an obligation to consult on security threats to the sovereignty, peace and stability of either party.
The Vuvale treaty sets out ambitious commitments across the breadth of our bilateral relationship. The Vuvale Union will be a multigenerational endeavour to integrate our economies, our security and our peoples. This is only natural given Australia proudly has the largest Fijian diaspora in the world, including the first cabinet minister of Fijian heritage in the Attorney-General.
This treaty commits us to combat transnational crime, to work together on health issues like HIV, to address the impacts of climate change and to build infrastructure like ports to connect our region and grow the Fijian economy. These treaties build on a network of agreements which seek to protect our interests and keep Australians safe. The Pukpuk alliance is with our closest neighbour PNG.
The signing of the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu confirms Australia as the policing partner of choice and precludes the establishment of any foreign military base in Vanuatu. Our treaties with Naoero and Tuvalu respond to their priorities. We're also pursuing comprehensive treaty negotiations with the Solomon Islands, to reset the relationship with them, as well as with Tonga.
From Prime Minister Albanese walking the Kokoda Track with Prime Minister Marape to the DPM's energetic engagement to Foreign Minister Wong's visits to the PIF countries and my 37 visits to the region, we're working tirelessly to deliver a stronger region in our national interest, and I commend the two treaties to the House.