A college to train officials from Pacific countries on regional security has been officially launched by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Alex Hawke.
Mr Hawke said the new Australia Pacific Security College was a critical part of the Government’s Pacific Step-up.
“It will support the training of mid and senior level Pacific officials in skills, capabilities and areas of knowledge aligned with the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security,” Mr Hawke said.
“The college will create a network of experienced security experts to act as a technical advice pool, supporting security policy development and implementation in Pacific Islands Forum countries.”
He said it would establish an active alumni network of security decision-makers to strengthen networks across Pacific Island countries and Agencies, and to facilitate closer collaboration on regional security issues.
The college will be established at the Australian National University, with Senior Policy Fellow, Meg Keen (pictured) as its Director.
Mr Hawke also announced that former Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, would be appointed inaugural Chair of the College’s Advisory Board.
The Advisory Board will consist of senior leaders from across the region and will provide strategic guidance and oversight of the college,” Mr Hawke said.
“Regional consultations with national and regional agencies in the Pacific are currently under way, with visits to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand already completed,” he said.