This week in Australian foreign affairs: Albanese in Queenstown for 2025 Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meetin; Australia to recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th UNGA in September; Marles, Wong, and Conroy travel to the Pacific, and more.
On 9 August, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a joint statement with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New Zealand for the 2025 Australia–New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting, reaffirming “the unique close bond and alliance” between the two nations. The leaders recommitted to the Trans-Tasman Roadmap to 2035, pledging deeper economic integration through the Single Economic Market, mutual recognition of digital identity services, and cooperation on net zero transitions, artificial intelligence adoption, and secure banking in the Pacific. On security, they endorsed closer defence ties under the ANZUS Treaty, progress toward an “increasingly integrated Anzac force,” and continued consultations on AUKUS Pillar II. They underscored unity on Pacific priorities, supporting climate resilience, regional security initiatives, and the Pacific Islands Forum. On global issues, they voiced “grave concern” over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, tensions in the South and East China Seas, and instability in Myanmar, calling for peaceful resolutions and adherence to international law. They also reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear disarmament, WTO reform, CPTPP cooperation, and advancing human rights, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.
Albanese joined Foreign Minister Penny Wong on 11 August to announce that Australia will recognise the State of Palestine at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September. The statement reads, the government is aiming to “contribute to international momentum towards a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages.” Citing Australia’s historical role in supporting both an Israeli and Palestinian state under UN Resolution 181, the Government argued that “the world can no longer wait” for its implementation to be negotiated. Recognition is predicated on new commitments from the Palestinian Authority—including governance reform, ending prisoner payments, demilitarisation, and holding elections—alongside the Arab League’s call for Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza. The statement condemned Hamas for rejecting Israel’s right to exist and reiterated there can be “no role for Hamas in a Palestinian state,” while also criticising the Netanyahu Government for actions “extinguishing the prospect of a two-state solution,” including settlement expansion and failure to meet obligations in Gaza. Australia pledged to work with partners on a credible peace plan to secure the futures of both Palestinians and Israelis.
On 11 August, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles joined Wong and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy to announce visits to the Pacific. Marles first travelled to Papua New Guinea where he discussed the deepening defence ties between the two countries, as well as Australia’s support for PNG’s security priorities. While there, he met with Prime Minister James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister the John Rosso, and Minister for Defense the Billy Joseph. Marles then joined Wong and Conroy in the Republic of Vanuatu where they met with Prime Minister Jotham Napat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Management the Johnny Koanapo, and other senior ministers. During their stay, the ministers travelled to Tanna, the home island of Napat, to progress discussions on the proposed Nakamal Agreement – a bilateral initiative to elevate the bilateral partnership.
On 12 August, Marles concluded his visit to Papua New Guinea with the official opening of His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Naval Base (HMPNGS) Tarangau, the largest security infrastructure project Australia has delivered in the Pacific. Built under the Lombrum Joint Initiative, the upgraded base will boost the PNG Defence Force’s sovereign capabilities and support priorities through new accommodation, medical facilities, maritime infrastructure, and capacity for around 200 personnel. Marles also handed over 12 up-armoured LandCruisers to enhance PNGDF mobility and domestic security response. The visit, coming a week after PNG hosted part of Exercise Talisman Sabre for the first time, underscored growing defence cooperation, interoperability, and shared strategic trust, with negotiations ongoing for a bilateral defence treaty announced in February 2025.
Wong issued another joint statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza on 12 August. Australia joined 31 international partners warning that “famine is unfolding before our eyes” in Gaza and calling for urgent action to halt and reverse starvation. The statement urged Israel to lift restrictive new NGO registration requirements that could force essential aid organisations to leave the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and to authorise all humanitarian shipments. The statement demanded “immediate, permanent and concrete steps” to allow large-scale, safe access for the UN, international NGOs, and humanitarian partners, using all crossings and routes to deliver food, water, fuel, shelter, medicine, and medical equipment. Signatories stressed that lethal force must not be used at aid distribution sites and that civilians, humanitarian workers, and medical staff must be protected.
Dr Adam Bartley is the managing editor for AIIA’s Australian Outlook and weekly columnist for The Week in Australian Foreign Affairs. He is a former Fulbright Scholar and non-resident fellow at the Elliot School for International Affairs, the George Washington University. Adam also has positions as post-doctoral fellow at the Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation RMIT University and as program manager of the AI Trilateral Experts Group. He can be found on Twitter here.
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