Pacific police chiefs are currently assessing areas where additional security support can be provided as part of Australia’s efforts to enhance regional security through local officer training. This follows the deployment of the first group of Pacific police trainees, who are about halfway through their six-month training program and were recently sent to Palau to help secure the Pacific Mini Games.
Assistant Commissioner for the Pacific at the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Nigel Ryan, indicated that discussions among Pacific Islands Forum nations are underway regarding potential future deployments of security and peacekeeping forces. A meeting of Pacific police chiefs is scheduled for the coming weeks to explore the possibility of Australian Federal Police coordinating and assisting responses to security needs.
The upcoming regional police initiatives may include support for Papua New Guinea during its Bougainville elections in September, as well as enhanced security for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Honiara, also in September. Notably, Palau has expressed interest in increasing its security measures for when it hosts the forum’s leaders in 2026.
Ryan stated, “Hopefully, we’ll have some clarity on that soon, but at this time, there are no discussions on actual locations. However, the will is there to enable it to happen.” He highlighted the success of Australia’s training hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane, which has achieved a remarkable 73 percent pass rate in a United Nations peacekeeping course designed for officers from approximately 10 Pacific island nations, a notable increase compared to the typical 25 percent rate.
The commitment to ongoing training is significant, as Ryan mentioned the potential for future courses, including a smaller class size for retraining officers who require re-accreditation every two years. Additionally, Australia has stated there is no role for China in regional security initiatives, even as Beijing seeks to establish closer ties with Pacific nations through bilateral agreements.
This positive collaboration underscores the shared commitment among Pacific nations to take charge of their own security and stability. As these nations work together, they pave the way for stronger regional partnerships and a more united approach to addressing emerging security challenges. The ongoing training initiatives and collaborative frameworks indicate a hopeful outlook for the future of policing and security in the Pacific.
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