As a country in and of the Pacific, the connections between Samoa and Australia are deep and longstanding.  We share common values for peace and prosperity.  Our personal connections are strong, with growing diaspora communities making invaluable contributions to the fabric of our societies.  

 Perhaps more profound is the vast Pacific Ocean that binds us. 

We recognise the stewardship of the ocean and our region by Pacific leaders.  We also recognise the voices and advocacy of Pacific nations who have long done the work to ensure our region continues to thrive despite the existential threats and modern challenges that face small island states.

Recently, the Australian Government announced an additional AUD$900 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) for our region, taking Australia’s total development assistance for the Pacific to AUD$1.9 billion for 2022-23.  This boost recognises both our shared aspirations for prosperity, but also our common challenges to the peace and security of the Blue Pacific.

 AUD$52 million has been allocated to Samoa to support its priorities for 2022-23, especially as outlined in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2021-25.  The breadth of this investment for Samoa focuses on its priorities in health security, governance, education, gender equality and social inclusion.  Australia is also continuing its investments in climate and disaster resilient infrastructure, which includes the construction of Samoa’s Legislative Assembly Office, providing opportunities for employment and skills generation.

These investments also focus on supporting women and girls, and people with disabilities.  We know our societies thrive when everyone has a chance to prosper.

Australia recognises the importance of a healthy ocean and its direct impact on food security for people throughout the region. Through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia will provide increased support to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, including through upgrading aerial surveillance. 

As Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, said in an interview with Samoan media, that the Australian Government recognises that our security and prosperity is tied together.  

We know we are better when we work together.

Through the Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, Australia will provide an additional AUD$32 million over four years to expand the ABC’s broadcasting footprint. This will enable greater collaboration between Australian and Pacific journalists and to support an independent, resilient and professional media sector. 

As a longstanding partner of Samoa, Australia looks forward to continuing to work shoulder to shoulder as we navigate the next chapter of our partnership in a changing world, with a strong emphasis on our shared values of tautua – or service to others.

In the spirit of learning from one another, I end this piece by sharing a Samoan proverb which I recently learned.  ‘E so’o le fau i le fau’, which I am told means when threads are woven together, it becomes strong.  We aspire to be a thread that forms a strong and united Pacific family, ready to respond to the new challenges of the future, together.                                                                                                                                                               

Emily Luck

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa