Australia will spend $1.4 billion over the next four years to expand security infrastructure and criminal justice co-operation in the Pacific.Credit:ADF
This will come on top of a previously announced US Green Card-style lottery scheme that will offer permanent residency for up to 3000 Pacific islanders.
Described by the government as a “transformational package of support” for the Pacific,the funding comes on top of an extra $900 million in Pacific aid announced in the October budget.
China signed a wide-rangingsecurity pact with the Solomon Islands last year that alarmed policymakers in Canberra and entrenched the belief that Australia needed to do more to ensure it remains the security partner of choice in the Pacific.
The focus on extra money for “statecraft” reflects the view that traditional development assistance alone will not cut it,given China’s extensive spending on loans and grants in developing nations.
While details of specific projects are yet to be announced,the money will likely be spent on upgrades to Pacific defence facilities,new military hardware,weapons for police officers and improved cybersecurity.
The budget includes a significant increase to Australian Federal Police partnerships in the Pacific to support local law enforcement and criminal justice initiatives.