Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Letterhead]

[Date]

MEMORANDUM

To: The Prime Minister of Australia

From: [Your Name]

Date: [Date]

Subject: Policy Memo: Australian Interests in the Pacific Islands Region

Summary
This memorandum analyzes Australia's policy orientation in the Pacific Islands area
and suggests a path of action that best serves Australia's national interests. It also
includes some recommendations. The purpose of this memorandum is to argue that
Australia ought to seek a strategic engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
and its members that is based on mutual respect, trust, and collaboration. This would
involve the following: enhancing bilateral and multilateral engagement with Pacific
Island countries through diplomacy, development assistance, defense cooperation,
trade and investment, and people-to-people links and supporting the PIF's regional
security, climate change, economic development, and governance agenda.
• Addressing the challenges and possibilities brought about by the growth of China
and other foreign players in the area. • Promoting a rules-based order and democratic
ideals across the region.
Background
Australia's security, prosperity, and identity depend on the Pacific Islands area.
Around 12 million people live in the region, consisting of 14 independent nations and
a few non-autonomous regions. The site is varied in culture, geography, politics, and
development. The Pacific Islands' vulnerability to external shocks, including the
COVID-19 pandemic, commodity price swings, and natural disasters, is one of the
region's many interconnected and complex challenges. Other issues include the impact
of climate change and natural disasters on the environment, livelihoods, health, and
security of Pacific Island communities.
• The growing influence and presence of China and other external actors in the region
may present strategic, economic, and political challenges to Australia and its allies. •
The governance and human rights issues affecting some Pacific Island countries, such
as corruption, instability, violence, and human trafficking.
Australia and the Pacific Islands area have a long-standing and complex connection.
Australia is the most significant contributor to the site, commercial partner, security
partner, and supplier of visitors, immigrants, and remittances. Australia joined the PIF
in its early years. The 18 members of this prestigious regional organization, including
Australia, work together to solve problems and accomplish shared objectives. Since
2016, Australia has declared its desire for a "step-up" in its interaction with the Pacific
Islands area. For example, the Pacific Marine Security Program (PMSP) offers patrol
boats, aerial surveillance, marine domain awareness, and training to 12 Pacific Island
nations to improve their maritime security capabilities. This vision has been
implemented in several projects and policies.
• Pacific Island workers have easier access to labor mobility options in Australia's
rural and regional regions thanks to the Pacific Labor Scheme (PLS) and the Seasonal
Worker Programme (SWP).
• To aid in developing the region's infrastructure, the Australian Infrastructure
Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) offers grants and loans.
• The Partnerships for Recovery: Australia's COVID-19 Development Response plan,
which responds to the epidemic by offering the area economic, humanitarian, and
security support.
Analysis
Australia's stable and positive policy orientation has benefited the Pacific Islands area.
Nevertheless, Australia can sharpen its strategy and efficiency in several places. These
include: • It is improving connections with the PIF and its participants. Civil society
organizations and leaders have sometimes seen Australia and Pacific Island nations as
uncaring or tyrannical partners. Policy disagreements or conflicts on handling asylum
seekers, the fight against climate change, and regional trade agreements have
compounded this view. By respecting their sovereignty, paying attention to their
worries, and advancing their goals, Australia should work to reestablish trust and
confidence with its Pacific Island allies. Australia should also engage closely with the
PIF Secretariat and other members to deepen regional cooperation and integration on
essential problems, including security, climate change, economic growth, and
governance
.

• It is strengthening its international and bilateral relations with Pacific Island nations.
Based on Pacific Island nations' needs, interests, and capabilities, Australia should
continue to provide development aid, military cooperation, trade and investment, and
people-to-people connections. Australia should also work to diversify its engagement
strategies and partners to guarantee relevance, efficacy, and sustainability. For
instance, Australia may seek further trilateral or quadrilateral collaboration with like-
minded nations like New Zealand, Japan, and France to capitalize on its strengths and
complementarities in the area.
• Addressing the possibilities and problems that China and other outside players in the
area have brought about. China's influence and presence in the area have grown in the
political, economic, and military spheres. Australia and its allies are concerned about
the possible effects on the area's alignment, stability, and sovereignty. Australia
should address China and other foreign entities with a sophisticated and balanced
strategy. Australia should see the area as a place for constructive engagement and
collaboration on shared problems and possibilities rather than as a zero-sum game or
zone of influence. Australia should support Pacific Island nations in upholding their
sovereignty, interests, and values while respecting their agency and choices in
interacting with other parties. Australia should also try to work with China and other
outside parties in areas of shared interest and benefit, including climate change,
disaster relief, health security, and development aid.
•It encourages democratic principles and an order based on norms in the area.
Australia has a stake in preserving the peace, stability, and prosperity of the Pacific
Islands area. Australia should assist Pacific Island nations in maintaining and
improving a rules-based system that adheres to international law, standards, and
norms. Australia should also help Pacific Island nations to protect and advance
democratic principles, including civil society involvement, the rule of law, and human
rights. Australia must do this via outreach, capacity development, advocacy, and aid.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Australia develop a strategic engagement with the PIF and its
members based on respect, trust, and collaboration in light of the analysis presented
above. Supporting the PIF's agenda on regional security, climate change, economic
growth, and governance would be required.
• Increasing diplomatic, development aid, military cooperation, commerce and
investment, and people-to-people ties with Pacific Island nations on a bilateral and
multilateral basis.
• Addressing the possibilities and problems that China and other outside players in the
area have brought about.
• Encouraging democratic principles and an order based on regulations in the area.
The following actions would strengthen Australia's influence and reputation in the
area as a trustworthy and respected partner and would be in the best interests of
Australia's national security.
• Fostering a secure, resilient, and prosperous area to increase Australia's security and
economy.
• Promoting democratic ideals and a rules-based system throughout the area to further
Australia's values and objectives.