Today, I will travel to New Caledonia, Australia’s closest eastern neighbour.
For more than 85 years, Australia has worked productively with French State and New Caledonian authorities to deepen our people-to-people, education and economic links. This good work continues today, supported by our shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific.
This will be my first visit to New Caledonia as Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs. My visit will explore opportunities to strengthen our education, tourism and business ties, creating new pathways for collaboration.
I will discuss the progress being made to support New Caledonia’s entry into the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, opening avenues for New Caledonians to build skills and gain work experience in Australia.