Australia and the South Pacific

The island states of the South Pacific face severe challenges to the security needs of their peoples. At the same time they also have advantages that can be leveraged with the right policies. Australia's vital interests are involved in the South Pacific: the stability of the region is an important factor in our own security, and this translates into on-going defence, security, economic, aid, environmental and humanitarian activities. This report offers a range of suggestions that should be considered in the development of Australia's regional strategy.