Labor to unveil plan for training of Pacific Islands soldiers

Labor will unveil a $6.5m plan to beef up security in the Pacific by offering countries in the region training courses run by the Australian Defence Force on our shores.

Pacific Islands soldiers would complete operational training courses in Australia as part of a Labor plan to shore up security in our region.

The opposition’s Pacific policy, to be released on Tuesday, is also expected to include a major boost to foreign aid funding for Australia’s neighbours.

Labor has been on the attack over the Morrison government's efforts in the Pacific since the Solomon Islands struck a controversial security deal with the Chinese government.

Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said Labor’s policy would “restore Australia’s place as the first partner of choice for our Pacific family”.

The $6.5m Australia Pacific Defence School would expand and co-ordinate existing training programs for members of defence and security forces from countries including Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Australian Defence Force personnel would be in charge of the program focused on operational training and skills.

“Rather than just talking tough, we will provide practical support for our neighbours to improve their security and protect their economies,” opposition defence spokesman Brendan O’Connor said.

Penny Wong believes the Pacific strategy will shore up security in our region. Picture: Tim Hunter.

As part of Labor’s policy, an aerial surveillance program to tackle illegal fishing in the Pacific would also be doubled from $12m a year in an effort to recoup $210m in lost access and licensing fees.

Two Australian aircraft currently deliver 1400 flying hours a year, which could be expanded with extra planes, drone or satellite surveillance, and surge capabilities for specific missions.

Labor will also unveil its Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy on Tuesday, adding an extra $32m to the ABC to expand regional transmission and content production. This could include restoring Australia’s short-wave radio broadcasting capacity in the Pacific.

“It costs us very little to tell a positive story about Australia in the region, but Scott Morrison has squandered Australia’s natural advantage of shared values with Pacific neighbours,” opposition communications spokeswoman Michelle Rowland said.

The opposition’s full Pacific strategy is also expected to include extra support to help the region tackle climate change, plus more bipartisan parliamentary visits to our neighbours.

“Scott Morrison has dropped the ball in the Pacific, and as a result Australia is less secure,” Senator Wong said.

“The vacuum Scott Morrison has created is being filled by others, who do not share our interests and values.”

Labor will also detail its stance on Pacific labour arrangements, having previously avoided saying what it would do in power with the government’s new agriculture visa.

Originally published as Labor to unveil plan for training of Pacific Islands soldiers