Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Smith for his question and his interest in these key issues, because this government recognises the importance of meeting the challenges and the opportunities of our blue Pacific continent. That's why, in consultation and in partnership with our Pacific neighbours, the Australian government is implementing our Pacific step-up. Security, economic growth and closer people-to-people links so that they can prosper are the fundamental principles that underpin the step-up, and I'm pleased to say that we are delivering on our commitments.

The Office of the Pacific has been established in my department to make sure that all arms of government are working toward this goal together. We've signed memoranda of understanding with 10 countries now to join the Pacific Labour Scheme, which will create economic opportunities and build skills for Pacific island workers and support regional and rural economies in Australia.

And this month the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific also opened for business. It will work to address the infrastructure needs of the region. They are considerable indeed—estimated by the Asian Development Bank to be at over US$46 billion in the period from now until 2030.

The Coral Sea Cable System, which will deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable connectivity and communications for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, is on track to be operational by the end of the year. Indeed, the cables have landed in Honiara in the Solomon Islands and in Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

We're building on our people-to-people links through our shared love of sport—and our shared love of competition in sport, I might add—and our Church Partnership Program, which is a very powerful engagement between Australia and our neighbours. Both the Prime Minister and I have demonstrated our respective commitment to the Pacific with our regional visits since the election, and I look forward to discussing Pacific priorities further this week at foreign ministers meetings in Suva.