Australia is enjoying the highest standing ever in the Pacific

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.