Australia is set to increase its police presence in Vanuatu, with the number of Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers potentially doubling from 8 to 16 under a new treaty between the two countries.
What happened
The Nakamal Agreement, signed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatuan Prime Minister Jotham Napat in June, recognizes Australia as Vanuatu's main policing partner. The treaty builds on a 25-year policing partnership and will see Australian officers assist with investigations, forensics, and designing Vanuatu's police force, among other things.
AFP Assistant Commissioner David McLean told a parliamentary committee that the increased presence will focus on providing reliable policing to Vanuatu's remote outer islands and setting up a regional centre for specialist investigations to target online and cyber crime.
The treaty also commits both countries to transition their economies to net zero by 2050. Additionally, Vanuatu has committed not to allow any foreign military bases, and Australia has agreed to provide assistance in repairing police training facilities damaged in an earthquake.
Similar treaties are being negotiated with other Pacific nations, including Tonga and the Solomon Islands, as Australia competes with China for influence in the region.
