Carina Garland (Chisholm, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I present the report of the Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 5th Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group Conference in Fiji, 25 August to 28 August 2025, and seek leave to make a short statement in connection with this report.

Leave granted.

It was an absolute privilege to be part of Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 5th Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group Conference with Senator Richard Colbeck from the other place. Since its establishment in 2019, the Pacific Islands Parliamentary Group has created a uniquely Pacific led space for dialogue, cooperation and shared learning between our legislatures. It reflects something fundamental—that the strength of our region lies in working together as neighbours. Throughout the conference, what stood out most was that sense of partnership, whether that be in mitigating the ramifications of climate change or in unlocking economic opportunities in the region. The relationships between our parliaments are grounded in shared challenges and shared responsibility, and that connection was evident in every discussion. That's what the Pacific partnership is all about—sharing our responsibilities and sharing our challenges.

A particular highlight was meeting with recipients of Australian aid programs, especially those focused on empowering women. These initiatives are making a real difference—supporting leadership, economic participation and stronger communities across our region. I'm really proud that the Australian government is supporting those initiatives every day of the week.

We also had the opportunity to engage directly with parliamentarians from across the region through the course of this conference, and I want to thank those parliamentarians for their engagement, their kindness and their friendship. The many conversations we had reinforced the importance of strong democratic institutions, transparency and ensuring our parliaments remain inclusive and responsive to the people we serve whilst responding to the very unique challenges and opportunities our region faces. This conference also marked an important moment for the future of regional cooperation.

I returned with this delegation with a deep appreciation for the collaboration across our region and with confidence in what we can achieve together. I'm very proud to table this report in parliament today. Our Pacific neighbours know they have a very good mate in Australia indeed.

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