QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:25): A stronger and safer sovereign Pacific is good for Australia and for our region. At the UN, the Prime Minister and I met with our counterparts from Solomon Islands as we continue our work to elevate our relationship through a comprehensive treaty. I also joined the meeting between the UN Secretary-General and leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, the central body for strengthening Pacific relationships, trust and regionalism.

The Albanese government believes in listening, respecting and acting on Pacific priorities in the Pacific Way, and this approach has delivered new alliances with Papua New Guinea and Fiji and breakthrough agreements with Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Naoero. We will continue to work to strengthen our relationships with the Pacific because Australian security is underpinned by the security, stability and prosperity of the Pacific.