The Pacific
Shared security in the Pacific
Australia is committed to supporting Pacific Island Countries build resilience to their security challenges, as articulated in the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security.
Australia's longstanding security cooperation with Pacific countries covers defence, law enforcement, transnational crime, climate and disaster resilience, border management and human security.
"…a stable and resilient security environment provides a platform to achieve the region's sustainable development aspirations"
Ewen McDonald, Head of the Office of the Pacific
Boe Declaration of Regional Security
On 5 September 2018 in Nauru, the Pacific islands Forum, including Australia, adopted the Boe Declaration on Regional Security. The new declaration recognises an expanded concept of security, including human, cyber and environmental security, and frames regional responses to emerging security issues.
More about the Boe Declaration on Regional Security
Pacific Fusion Centre
Australia has been working with Pacific countries and regional organisations to establish the Pacific Fusion Centre. The Pacific Fusion Centre aggregates and analyses information relevant to shared security challenges, including the impacts of COVID-19 on the regional security environment. It ensures Pacific decision makers have the information they need to respond to the broad range of security priorities articulated in the Boe Declaration, and provides a trusted source of COVID-19 information.
More about the Pacific Fusion Centre
Australia Pacific Security College
The Australia Pacific Security College is an Australian aid funded initiative delivered by the Australian National University. The College makes a valuable contribution to regional security cooperation by bringing together officials from across countries and agencies for training and professional development opportunities.
More about the Australia Pacific Security College
Cyber Cooperation Program
Recognising the priorities articulated in the Boe Declaration, Australia partners with Pacific island countries to enhance their cyber resilience, including through cooperation on cyber safety, cyber security and cybercrime.
More about the Cyber Cooperation Program
Pacific Maritime Security Program
The Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) builds on our 30-year commitment to maritime security in the Pacific, and will gift 21 purpose built Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, supported by a regional surveillance capability and infrastructure upgrades. The PMSP assists Pacific island countries to protect their maritime environment, resources and security.
More about the Pacific Maritime Security Program
Pacific Transnational Crime Network
The Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN), established by the Australian Federal Police in 2002, provides an intelligence network for Pacific law enforcement agencies to combat transnational, serious and organised crime. The PTCN consists of locally staffed Transnational Crime Units across the Pacific region, with the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) in Samoa performing a central coordinating role. The PTCN recognises the importance of collaboration and cooperation to effectively fighting crime.
More about the Pacific Transnational Crime Network
Pacific Police Development Program
The Pacific Police Development Program (PPDP), implemented by the Australian Federal Police with a range of partners, is an integral part of the AFP’s commitment to promoting the safety and security of Pacific communities. PPDP includes several bilateral missions and commitments to regional policing initiatives.
More about the Pacific Police Development Program
Defence Cooperation Program
Through the Defence Cooperation Program we promote the capacity of our international partners, improve Australia’s capacity to work with partners in response to common security challenges, and build strong people-to-people links across the region
More about the Defence Cooperation Program
Defence infrastructure partnerships
Defence is partnering with Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands on significant infrastructure projects, as well as 12 wharf infrastructure upgrades across the region as part of the Pacific Maritime Security Program, to enhance the security of the Pacific.
More about the Defence infrastructure partnerships