Increased foreign aid, maritime surveillance and defence training feature in Labor’s plan to boost ties with the Pacific amid threat from China.
ABC broadcasts to the region would be expanded as part of a strategy encompassing economics, security and soft power to shore up relations with Pacific nations under a future Labor government., Labor will announce on Tuesday plans to boost maritime surveillance and military training opportunities, as well as a “substantial” lift in foreign aid and more spending on climate infrastructure.
Under elements of the plan foreshadowed, a Labor government would introduce an Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, which expand the footprint for TV content produced by the public broadcasters and commercial networks. Radio Australia axed its broadcasts in 2017, arguing the technology was outdated and money could be better spent. But the decision silenced a valuable tool for Australia to influence the region while allowing a Chinese station to take over the frequencies.
The opposition will also pledge to create an Australia Pacific Defence School, to be overseen by the Australian Defence Force, at a cost of $6.5 million over four years.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Labor announces plan to lay down 'building blocks of re-engagement' in PacificLabor is set to announce a package of reforms to boost Australia's relationship with the Pacific.
Read more »
Australia politics live news: China’s Pacific push dominates election campaign as Labor unveils seven-point planFollow the latest updates live
Read more »
Morrison attacks Labor's ABC Pacific planScott Morrison has attacked Labor's plan to boost ABC funding so it can broadcast content into the Pacific, saying 'their answer to solving the Solomon Islands problem is to have Q&A in Honiara'.
Read more »
‘Muscle up’: Labor pledges Pacific defence school as experts urge boost in military mightAustralia will train Pacific nations’ troops if Labor wins the election as experts warn that the Defence Force must rapidly expand its capabilities in the same way Ukraine did after 2014 | AngusGthompson
Read more »
‘Muscle up’: Labor pledges Pacific defence school as experts urge boost in military mightAustralia will train Pacific nations’ troops if Labor wins the election as experts warn that the Defence Force must rapidly expand its capabilities in the same way Ukraine did after 2014.
Read more »
Scott Morrison, Labor clash over Pacific strategy as Coalition challenged on net zero stancePrime Minister Scott Morrison has taken aim at Labor's plan to tackle China's growing influence in the Pacific, as Labor demanded that he clarify the government's net zero emissions position:
Read more »