Submission into the Inquiry into Australia’s response to the priorities of Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region

The Australian Global Health Alliance (“the Alliance”) is delighted to have the opportunity to make this submission to help inform the inquiry into Australia’s response to the priorities of Pacific Island Countries and the Pacific Region.

This submission was developed in consultation with Alliance members and partners, and considers the following prompts from the terms of reference through the lens of global health:

• Evaluate the key concerns and aspirations of Pacific nations regarding their economic, environmental, and social development.
• Evaluate Australia’s current efforts in supporting the Pacific in areas such as trade, investment, infrastructure development, security and capacity building that enhance Australia’s position as a partner of choice for the Pacific family.
• Explore opportunities to enhance people-to-people links, cultural exchanges, and educational partnerships between Australia and the Pacific to maximise local and community development outcomes.
• Assess the effectiveness of Australia’s aid programs and partnerships in promoting genuine community development, good governance, and capacity building for partners in the region.

Good health is foundational to a nation and region’s economic and social prosperity, and crucial to maintaining stability and security. Efforts in the Pacific to enhance Australia’s position as a partner of choice for the Pacific family should therefore include the recognition of global health as a strategic cross-cutting asset of international development and foreign policy, alongside diplomacy, investment and trade.