International relations

Australia and Papua New Guinea are concerned about the violent turn that protests have taken in Honiara and jointly emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully.

We reiterate our grave concern over reports of ongoing human rights violations and abuses by the Myanmar Security Forces across the country, including credible reports of sexual violence and torture, especially in Chin State, Sagaing Region and Magwe Region.

We have been watching the ongoing protests in Honiara with concern. We continue to call for calm, for an end to any further violence and emphasise the importance of resolving tensions peacefully.

The Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Act 2021 (the Act) commenced on 8 December 2021.

Minister Payne and Minister Seselja announces the next stage of reforms to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, providing a single, streamlined program that will benefit employers, workers, and our Pacific family.

Australia continues to take further steps to safely reopen to the world, with additional changes to our international border arrangements coming into effect on 1 December.

The Australian Government is proud to join the international United Kingdom-led statement condemning the use of sexual violence and rape as weapons of war.

On 15 November 2021 the Russian Defence Ministry conducted a destructive test of an anti-satellite weapon. This test created over 1500 pieces of long-lived debris in space that now threaten numerous satellites and the International Space Station.

Australia is strengthening our technology partnership with India through the establishment of a new Consulate-General in Bengaluru and a Centre of Excellence for Critical and Emerging Technology Policy, also to be based in India.

The UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia and Liberia gave a joint statement on preventing sexual violence in conflict.