International relations

Minister Payne is shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic shooting in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Australia stands with our Pacific family as the devastation of Cyclone Harold becomes clear. This destructive cyclone has impacted the people of Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and Solomon Islands, and has resulted in tragic loss of life in Solomon Islands.

The Australian Government is continuing to assist hundreds more Australians to return to Australia by facilitating commercial flights from Peru, Argentina and South Africa.

Based on medical advice, Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Quinlan AO, is being temporarily relocated to Australia. Ambassador Quinlan will continue to oversee embassy operations from Australia.

The Australian Government welcomes the release on 8 April 2020 of the Office for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) first report under its mandate of investigating and attributing responsibility for the reported use of chemical weapons in Syria.

Under new visa measures announced by the Australian Government today, Pacific workers who are in Australia under the PLS and SWP whose visas are due to expire will be able to remain in Australia for up to 12 months.

A continuing network of flights to four key international hubs will be established — London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Auckland — for the next four weeks to help Australians get home.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in direct contact with 10 cruise ships with around 600 Australian passengers on board. This has reduced from 38 affected cruise ships with over 5,500 Australians just two weeks ago.

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic represents a significant challenge for governments and communities across the Pacific. It is a challenge the Australian Government is committed to tackling with our Pacific partners, in the long-term interest of the stability, prosperity and resilience of our region.