Australia bolsters policing partnership with Vanuatu

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 03:54 · Archive

Australia has signed the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu to strengthen policing ties and prevent foreign military bases.

Australia has signed the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu to strengthen policing partnerships and prevent foreign military presence in the Pacific nation. The treaty was signed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat in Port Vila in June and was examined by senators on Monday.

The agreement includes a clause stating that Vanuatu should not allow foreign powers to use its territory for defence bases or infrastructure. However, Jan Hutton, a foreign affairs department executive, told the Senate that this clause simply reflects Vanuatu's own legislation. 'Vanuatu passed its own national legislation that committed to ensure that its territory didn't host foreign military bases and security,' she said.

The focus of the treaty is on policing cooperation. Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner David McLean said the number of Australian police stationed in Vanuatu will increase in coming years. 'There's eight AFP serving currently in Vanuatu and as a consequence of the treaty, and the existing bilateral program that we're now better resourced to deliver, I expect that number could nearly double in size,' he said. Australian assistance will cover administration, general policing, forensics, training and infrastructure including new police stations and headquarters.

How it is being reported

• Pacific partner pact boosts police, not military tiesAustralia has struck bilateral deals with Pacific partners under Anthony Albanese, including the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 03:21
• Pacific partner pact boosts police, not military tiesAustralia has struck bilateral deals with Pacific partners under Anthony Albanese, including the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 03:21

In this story: Australia · Vanuatu · Anthony Albanese · Jotham Napat · Pat Conroy · Australian Federal Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem