Australia and Pacific nations have committed to strengthening regional security to respond to increasing transnational and organised crime.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Pacific leaders on Wednesday unanimously endorsed Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security initiative to counter illicit drug trafficking.

Waqa Moana will focus on getting actionable intelligence into the hands of Pacific police forces and operational responders.

To support the implementation of Waqa Moana, Prime Minister Albanese announced a $600m package of support.

The Australian Government, in agreement with Qantas, will extend the Palau Paradise Express direct air service between Brisbane and Koror through to 30 November 2027, in response to strong passenger growth.

Qantas will also increase flights to twice weekly during Palau’s peak season, starting this December.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement following a meeting with his Palauan counterpart, President Surangel Whipps Jr., while in Koror, Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Firstly, on the tragic disaster in Nepal, this is an unimaginable tragedy. The number of Australians unaccounted for remains at 43. My thoughts are with every Australian family going through such an incredibly difficult time. My government will do everything we can to support them and look for loved ones. A RAAF C-17A carrying humanitarian supplies has left Australia on its way to Kathmandu.

The Australian Government is investing in the next generation of Pacific sporting talent on their journey to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Australia will provide $15.6 million over 4 years to support athletes and officials from 14 Pacific countries to access high-performance training and qualification opportunities to compete at major international sporting events.

Today marks the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, a cornerstone of Australia’s defence and security, and a foundation of our enduring cooperation with the United States and New Zealand.

The signing of the ANZUS Treaty in 1951 formalised the Australia-US Alliance, which was forged on the battlefields of two world wars.

For more than seven decades, the Alliance has underpinned peace, stability and prosperity in our region and continues to contribute to the region’s strategic balance. 

I begin by acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

And thank you to Country Mayors Association of NSW Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, for that warm welcome.

All of you here tonight represent two important truths.

Firstly, that local government plays a vital role in the life of our nation.

And secondly, the fact that Australia has always been so much bigger than our big cities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Palau from 31 August to 3 September 2026 for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting.

This will be the Prime Minister’s first official visit to Palau and his fifth PIF Leaders’ Meeting.

The PIF is the Pacific’s premier political institution, and Australia is a founding member. Pacific Leaders will discuss the most critical issues impacting the region under the theme “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity”.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and I pay my respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Before we begin, I want us to take a moment to reflect on the tragedy in Nepal that has resulted in such devastation and loss of life – potentially including many Australians still among the missing.
 
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends, with the people of Nepal, and with the citizens of every country caught up in this calamity.
 
Our hope is that many of those missing are found alive.
 

I have proudly attended Bush Summit every year, starting with the very first one in Dubbo in 2019. It was a great idea by The Daily Telegraph that became a catalyst for an important conversation about regional Australia.

Australia is so much bigger than our big cities. In all their diversity – in environment, character, history and people – the regions give Australia so much of our sense of identity, potential and strength.

Consider the growth of Australian agriculture – up by more than $42 billion in just eight years – and all its flow-on effects.

BEN ENGLISH, HOST: Look, you're one of the OGs and so thanks for coming. You've been to every single Bush Summit, and it means a lot to us. But I think off the top we really do need to go further afield. There's obviously an unfolding calamity in Nepal. What can you tell us?