ADF to expand Pacific links in $1.9bn budget package to boost Australia’s influence

After big-spending Aukus and defence announcements, Labor switches focus to diplomacy

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The military and police will expand links with Pacific Island countries as part of a nearly $2bn budget package aimed at boosting Australia’s influence across the region.

After two months of rolling out big-spending defence announcements – including the Aukus nuclear-powered submarines – the Albanese government used Tuesday night’s budget to signal renewed interest in diplomacy and regional engagement.

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