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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Daniel Hurst Foreign affairs and defence correspondent

ADF to expand Pacific links in $1.9bn budget package to boost Australia’s influence

Australia DFAT Penny Wong Pacific Island
Australian foreign minister Penny Wong on a visit to Vanuatu in 2022
The 2023 Australian federal budget has outlined a nearly $2bn package to expand Australia’s engagement in the Pacific region. Foreign minister Penny Wong during a visit to Vanuatu. Photograph: Office of Penny Wong

The military and police will expand links with Pacific Island countries as part of a nearly $2bn budget package aimed at boosting Australia’s influence across the region.

After two months of rolling out big-spending defence announcements – including the Aukus nuclear-powered submarines – the Albanese government used Tuesday night’s budget to signal renewed interest in diplomacy and regional engagement.

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