Australia plans to invest around $400 million over five years to fulfill the goals of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Mr. Albanese arrived in Tonga on Thursday night and met with other Pacific leaders to endorse the PPI, which aims to enhance collective peace and security across the region.
The initiative is designed to improve the ability of Pacific nations to address law enforcement and internal security needs while providing support during emergencies.
“This policing initiative builds on the longstanding collaboration of Pacific police forces in promoting regional peace and security, as well as mutual aid in times of crisis,” he stated.
He emphasized the collaborative effort among Pacific leaders to shape a desired future, noting that enhancing cooperation and operational capabilities among Pacific police enhances security for all nations and communities within the region.
“This initiative is led by the Pacific and supported by Australia, leveraging our combined strengths. Together, we are stronger,” he added.
The PPI will feature three main components, including up to four regional Centers of Excellence for police training situated in the Pacific, aimed at providing specialized training and operational aid to police personnel.
Additionally, the initiative will establish a Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), which will be a collective police capability with available trained personnel ready to assist Pacific nations during major events or crises. Lastly, there will be a PPI Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Brisbane, offering access to advanced Australian Federal Police facilities for training and readiness for any PPSG deployments.
Prime Minister Albanese mentioned that Australia’s contribution would cover the infrastructure costs of the new training centers in the region.
The PPI aligns with the Pacific Islands Forum’s vision for peace and security articulated in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and builds on lessons learned from the Solomon Islands International Assistance Force.
Initial discussions regarding a unified regional policing capability were conducted during the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police meeting in 2023.