Australia is set to allocate around $400 million over the next five years to support the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), aimed at fulfilling the goals of Pacific nations, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Albanese arrived in Tonga on Thursday evening and met with other Pacific leaders to endorse the PPI, a significant regional effort focused on enhancing collective peace and security across the Pacific region.
The initiative seeks to enhance the capabilities of Pacific countries in addressing law enforcement and internal security needs, while also fostering mutual assistance during emergencies.
“This policing initiative continues a long-standing tradition of Pacific police forces collaborating to bolster regional peace and security, particularly in times of crisis,” Albanese stated. “Pacific leaders are uniting to create the future we envision—strengthening capacity, collaboration, and interoperability among Pacific police forces will benefit all nations and the safety of our communities.”
He emphasized the significance of the PPI as a Pacific-led and Australia-supported project that leverages their collective strengths, asserting that “we are stronger together.”
Albanese highlighted that the PPI will feature three key components: the establishment of up to four regional Police Training Centres of Excellence within the Pacific, aimed at improving policing skills through specialized training and operational support for local police; the formation of the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG)—a multi-national police network with a roster of trained officers ready to assist in major events or crises; and a PPI Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Brisbane, which will provide access to advanced training facilities.
He noted that Australia’s financial contribution would also cover the infrastructure costs related to the new Centres of Excellence.
The PPI aligns with the Pacific Islands Forum’s vision for peace and security, as outlined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and builds on insights gained from the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force.
The concept of a unified regional policing capability was initially discussed during the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police meeting earlier this year.