Australia is enjoying the highest standing ever in the Pacific

Australia is enjoying its highest ever standing among the island nations of our region. And the Albanese Government deserves credit for that.

The challenge now is to entrench it long term. We are in good standing but that could change rapidly.

The Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has visited the region nine times in nine months. Unprecedented.

The Prime Minister has done well through his engagement. To its credit the Opposition has taken a bi-partisan approach. Delegations to the region by MPs and Senators have been bi-partisan. The friendly peace-loving people of the Pacific appreciate that approach.

I suspect the capacity of Senator Wong to "listen and not lecture" has paid dividends.

The strength of our relationship was well illustrated during the recent Islands Forum in Fiji.

China's clumsy attempts to divide the Forum backfired badly. The Forum is more united than ever.

There can be no doubt China has lost ground everywhere except the Solomon Islands. The elections in Vanuatu and Fiji, and the return of the Marape Government with a new pro-Australian Foreign Minister has been very beneficial.

These days I read almost no criticism of Australia. Our different approach to climate change has been widely welcomed. Visa issues are being addressed and the Pacific workers scheme is much more effective though problems remain.

With the start of the NRL season, and the rugby union competition, the focus is moving to another strength - sport.

Around half the first grade players in the NRL have an island or Maori heritage.

The challenge now is to entrench our standing longer term. I have to say we have not had enough support from New Zealand which has massive natural disaster issues, and a government which has lost its way in our region.

Despite all the talk, the United States has just not done enough...so far. Japan has and India is clearly planning a greater engagement.

The defence and security agreements being negotiated with Vanuatu and PNG are significant achievements.

Looking to the future, and entrenching our standing, I see a need for a greater commitment to promoting parliamentary democracy.

Democracy in our region is fragile. It is better than it has been for some years but must never be taken for granted.

I would urge Canberra to facilitate more parliamentary engagement including a greater engagement with state parliaments. There are significant policy areas that are state responsibilities in Australia that are important in our region.

Democracy is our greatest bulwark against China. It just can't match it.

China is undoubtedly going to regroup and learn from its failures. It won't be satisfied with relying on the Solomon Island on its own.

I remain concerned at the exposure of the Papuan Coast, the closest part of PNG to Australia, which remains vulnerable to China's influence.

Our defence and security agreement with PNG needs to take that into account.

With care we need to encourage press freedom across the region. It remains fragile.

I hope the government might consider subsidising one or two of our media outlets to base journalists in the region. Regional coverage here is very limited.

I also hope the government will help facilitate greater engagement with business in key areas such as IT services and infrastructure.

We should not be afraid to assist tourist dependent nations like Fiji and Vanuatu to strengthen tourism infrastructure and training.

This is not a complete list of priorities. But it would help build on an excellent start.

I appreciate the need for junior ministers like a Minister for the Pacific.

But the greater the foreign minister's direct engagement the better!

Our regional neighbours are too courteous to complain, but they are irritated when it is left to a junior minister to engage with them.

Penny Wong has the balance about right. May it continue!

So far so good. There will be challenges such as the future of Bougainville but for now our standing is excellent.