The Squiz 

That headline is the Tongan proverb “stand firm and the waves will break” – a local saying that reminds us to be patient and good will come. It’s a good tone setter for leaders gathering for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Tonga, with PM Anthony Albanese flying in today. It’s the biggest political gathering in our region that brings together leaders from the 18 member countries to discuss regional challenges. It extends to the end of the week, and there’s a bit to get through… 

Like what? 

With geopolitical tensions in the Pacific bubbling along China v Western ally lines, one of the biggest issues on the agenda is resolving the civil unrest in New Caledonia. This is linked to rioting in May over controversial reforms in the French territory to give voting rights to new residents, which many of the Indigenous Kanak people said undermined their attempts to gain independence from France. The other big ticket item – which celebrity guest star/UN boss Antonio Guterres will push for action on – is climate change. Ahead of the meeting, he said despite the Pacific only contributing 0.02% of global emissions, it’s “on the frontlines of the climate crisis, dealing with extreme weather events”.

What’s on Australia’s wish list?

Well, the big one we’re involved in is the $400 million Pacific Policing Initiative – which was pitched as a “Pacific-led” move earlier this year, but would be largely backed by Australian funding and spearheaded by the Australian Federal Police. It would see a training centre hub set up in Pinkenba (near Brisbane Airport) to help establish a group of highly-trained Pacific police officers. The goal is to upskill them so they’re ready to be deployed when Pacific nations need help – and to block out China’s efforts to step in. It still needs a sign-off, but reports say that it’s looking likely it will pass… Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers put our own security back in the spotlight in a speech last night, calling Coalition Leader Peter Dutton “the most divisive leader…in Australia’s modern history” in response to his stance on visas for Palestinians. Dutton hasn’t responded yet so things could get interesting today…