TED O’BRIEN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MEMBER FOR FAIRFAX
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
COALITION TO PUT PACIFIC PARTNERSHIPS FRONT AND CENTRE
Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ted O’Brien, is travelling to Papua New Guinea and Fiji this week on his first international trip in the portfolio, reaffirming the Coalition’s enduring commitment to the Pacific Islands.
The visit recognises that Pacific policy has always been, and will always remain, a top priority for the Coalition.
Australia’s partnerships with the Pacific Island family are as important to Australia’s security as they are to the countries of the Pacific, and are built on mutual benefit, shared history, deep people-to-people links and a common stake in the future of the region.
“Australia’s partnerships in the Pacific are central to one another’s prosperity and security and are built on mutual benefit, respect and a shared interest in the future of our region,” Mr O’Brien said.
As part of the visit, Mr O’Brien will focus on three main priorities: strengthening Australia’s Pacific partnerships, better understanding the region’s priorities, and shaping the next phase of economic, security and people-to-people engagement.
While policy priorities will always be debated in Australia, the overarching goal of supporting the Pacific family has long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Mr O’Brien said it is in Australia’s national interest for that spirit to continue.
“Governments and Oppositions will always debate policy priorities at home. That is how our democracy works,” Mr O’Brien said.
“But supporting our Pacific family should always be bigger than party politics.”
“When Australia engages in the Pacific, we should do so with a consistent message that our commitment to the region is unwavering.”
The Coalition has a proud record of delivery in the Pacific including major contributions in economic, security and people-to-people initiatives from labour mobility programs to the Coral Sea Cable and support for regional telecommunications connectivity as well as significant direct development support.
Mr O’Brien’s visit will also provide an opportunity to better understand Pacific priorities on the ground, including practical challenges around enabling infrastructure, public services and security, including energy security.
The Coalition will use the visit to listen to Pacific partners because their priorities will help shape the next phase of Australia’s engagement in the region.
“The task is to listen, to learn and to understand so together we can shape what comes next,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Under the Coalition, Australia will be a constructive, long-term and trusted partner to the Pacific.”
ENDS
