Australia's Framework for Law and Justice Engagement with the Pacific

On 15 June 2010, the Attorney-General and the then Minister of Foreign Affairs launched Australia’s Framework for Law and Justice Engagement in the Pacific.

The Framework provides a high level statement of the principles and priorities underpinning Australia’s engagement in the Pacific law and justice sector, and is intended to inform and guide future assistance to, and cooperation with, Pacific partners.

The Framework outlines broad themes to assist Australia in focusing the delivery of law and justice assistance to the Pacific.  These themes include developing appropriate law and justice systems tailored to local contexts and priorities, addressing gender-based violence, and combating national and transnational threats to the security and prosperity of Pacific Island countries, their public administration and governance.

The Framework notes the importance of integration and cooperation with New Zealand, and other donors in the Pacific, in bringing community issues onto the law and justice agenda and the value of linking public sector engagement with valuable pro-bono measures. 

The Framework is supplemented by enhanced practical mechanisms to improve coordination across Australian Government agencies, with State and Territory Governments, and with the non‑government sector and other donors.  These enhanced practical mechanisms are currently being advanced by the Attorney-General’s Department and AusAID.