Countries, economies and regions

As a founding member of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Australia is committed to working with the Pacific – and through the Pacific's regional architecture – to navigate shared challenges and safeguard our collective peace, stability and prosperity.

This page gives an overview of Australia’s work in gender equality in the Pacific consistent with commitments in Australia’s International Development Policy, including that gender equality is integrated throughout our development partnerships and programs.

The Australian Government is deeply committed to taking real and significant climate action at home and in partnership with our region

We are a longstanding supporter of sustainable Pacific fisheries which are crucial for economic development, food security, nutrition and sustainability. Australia supports increased benefits to Pacific island countries (PICs) from sustainable commercial and subsistence fisheries and effective governance and ecosystem-based management mechanisms for sustainability.

Working with Pacific partners to build a region that is secure, stable and economically strong is one of Australia’s highest foreign policy priorities. Closer integration among Pacific countries, and with larger economies such as Australia, is essential to the region’s long-term economic prospects.

Australia provides aid to Niue through a delegated cooperation arrangement with New Zealand. New Zealand is the major donor to Niue. Australia's assistance focuses on waste management, education, and economic recovery.

Australia is Nauru's largest bilateral aid donor. Australia’s bilateral development assistance focuses on economic governance, education, health and infrastructure. Australia supports Nauru through regional programs including social protection, labour mobility, sport and humanitarian.

Australia's development program to Fiji supports Australia’s national interest in a stable and resilient Fiji, that is a key hub for the Pacific community.

The Joint Understanding on further bilateral cooperation on health, education and law and order (Joint Understanding) was signed in Brisbane on 19 July 2013 by the then Prime Minister of Australia The Hon Kevin Rudd MP and the then Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea The Hon Peter O'Neill CMG MP.

A stable, prosperous, peaceful and resilient PNG is critical to Australia's interests. We are PNG's largest development partner and its main partner on economic and security issues.