This week, Minister Michael Sukkar and Minister Alex Hawke joined counterparts from across the region for the 2020 Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, held virtually for the first time.Discussions were focussed on the impact of COVID-19, and were an opportunity for Forum members to share their experiences in responding to the crisis and to agree to advocate for the region’s needs globally, including with International Financial Institutions.Minister Sukkar said Australia’s priority is to support the Pacific family mitigate the fiscal crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and to help chart a path to economic recovery.“The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a significant toll on Pacific economies, particularly those with large tourism sectors. Our political leaders have switched from pretending they can’t hear the Pacific to pretending they don’t understand them The organization is mandated to promote intergovernmental relations between member countries and to come up with solutions to collectively tackle common issues such as climate change and eradication of diseases. The material in this public release comes from the originating organization and may be of a point-in-time nature, edited for clarity, style and length. View in full Well, unlike many news organisations, we have no sponsors, no corporate or ideological interests.

Writing them, I felt my despair lift This week, Minister Michael Sukkar and Minister Alex Hawke joined counterparts from across the region for the 2020 Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting, held virtually for the first time. We want to know if Australia really wants a seat at the tableTuvalu threatens to exit Australia's seasonal worker program after deputy PM's commentsAustralia is third largest exporter of fossil fuels behind Russia and Saudi ArabiaPicking fruit is work, not benevolence, and doesn't absolve Australia of climate responsibility‘Our people are dying’: Australia’s climate confrontation in the PacificMorrison’s ‘arrogance’ on climate blasted as Australia accused of ‘trying to destroy’ Pacific islandsFiji PM accuses Scott Morrison of ‘insulting’ and alienating Pacific leadersScott Morrison blasted by Pacific heat while trying to project calm on climate Vanuatu will host the next Pacific Islands Forum. © 2020 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. We don't put up a paywall – we believe in free access to information of public interest. Marshall Islands' Ambassador to the United States Gerald Zackios has been nominated for the post of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum. Special episode of the ABC show featuring Pacific leaders was dominated by climate crisis and Australia’s response Excerpts from the interview: Dame Meg Taylor: We’re focussing very much on the health aspect and there’s a lot of bilateral negotiations going on with donors.

A sense of futility haunts us all, so I sought to distill in as few words as possible what could be done by us as a people. The Pacific Islands Forum is a regional intergovernmental organisation, and is held every year between the leaders of 18 countries from across the Pacific. All trademarks and rights are owned by their respective owners.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with our Pacific partners as we face the challenge of COVID-19 and beyond.”Minister Hawke said Australia is committed to working with the Pacific family to build resilience and support communities in need.“The COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound social and economic impact in the Pacific and we welcome these productive discussions shared with our Pacific partners and the agreed outcomes of this meeting,” Minister Hawke said.“To date, Australia has supported our Pacific neighbours by providing PPE, COVID-19 testing kits and medical supplies, budget support to maintain essential services, and assistance for extending social protection programs throughout the region.”“We will work with regional partners to limit the pandemic’s impact on children’s education and to protect the most vulnerable communities, including women and girls.”“Australia is committed to working with Forum Island Countries and other development partners to help the region recover from the crisis.”Drivers were encouraged Saturday to avoid the Pinnacle Road and Canobolas Road areas due to…Consumer Protection has issued advice for customers who are still owed money by student travel…The following statement is attributable to City of Ballarat CEO Janet Dore – The City…Brimbank City Council has adopted a new five-year Library Strategy to guide and prioritise service…Isaac Region Council continues the celebrations as part of the launch for Shop Isaac, with…A collaboration between Liverpool City Council’s Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, and South Western Sydney Local…/Public Release. We want to know if Australia really wants a seat at the table Tuvalu threatens to exit Australia's seasonal … While the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic has so far spared the Pacific, its economies are in free-fall, the region’s chief diplomat warns UN climate summit focus is on net zero by 2050 but Australian PM says challenge ‘not just about climate change’