AUSTRALIA now sees itself as part of the Pacific, a shift that has reshaped its approach to engaging with the region.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts, while on the Lens@177, said Australia’s understanding of its place in the Pacific had evolved significantly over the past two decades, influencing how it works with Pacific island countries, including Fiji.
Responding to a question on whether China’s growing presence in the Pacific had made Australia a better partner for the region, Mr Roberts said the biggest change had come from Australia’s own reassessment of its identity and interests.
“So I first joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and trained in Australia 26 years ago and my first posting was Samoa” Mr Roberts said.
“But what I think has really changed in those 26 years I’ve worked is Australia, is a realisation in Australia that we are part of the Pacific and that we’re connected, and that our interests are here.
“Definitely when I joined (Fiji), there was much more focus in other areas.”
Mr Roberts said Australia’s approach was also reflected in the way it viewed regional security, pointing to the adoption of the Ocean of Peace Declaration by Pacific Islands Forum leaders last year.
He said the declaration emphasised addressing security challenges through a Pacific-led response and in the “Pacific way”.
“Australia’s recognition that it was part of the Pacific also meant acknowledging this regional approach and working with Pacific nations collectively on security and other shared issues.”
He said the shift was less about external competition and more about Australia’s recognition that it belonged in the Pacific and shared common interests with its neighbours.
