Pacific leaders have unanimously approved the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), a significant regional effort aimed at enhancing collective peace and security across the Pacific. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the importance of this initiative, describing it as a blessing amid the many challenges facing the region, and highlighted the responsibility of leaders to establish a robust policing framework.
The initiative has garnered support from nations including Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and Fiji, with the intention of improving the region’s capability to address law enforcement and internal security needs, as well as providing mutual assistance during emergencies.
As part of the PPI, up to four regional Centres of Excellence for police training will be set up in the Pacific, aimed at strengthening policing skills through specialized training and operational support for police personnel.
The Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) will be a multi-national police body prepared to respond to various needs within Pacific countries, including major event management and crisis situations. A dedicated PPI Policing Development and Coordination Hub will be established in Brisbane, providing access to advanced Australian Federal Police training facilities for preparing any necessary PPSG operations.
Australia has pledged approximately $400 million over five years to ensure the PPI meets the aspirations of Pacific nations, which will also cover infrastructure costs associated with the new police training centers.
The PPI is designed as a tangible contribution to the Pacific Islands Forum’s peace and security vision as outlined in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and builds on recent experiences with the Solomons International Assistance Force.
Initial discussions about developing an integrated regional policing capability took place during the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police meeting in 2023, and Pacific police are currently finalizing a design process to ensure the initiative is tailored for Pacific needs.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese remarked that the initiative reflects a long-standing collaboration among Pacific police forces aimed at enhancing regional security and supporting one another in challenging times. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating that it harnesses collective strengths to create a safer Pacific region, ultimately benefiting all member nations.