Australia holds its federal election this year, but Morrison’s visits are not an election push, they are part of Australia’s effort to increase influence among Pacific island states. Two issues, climate change and labour mobility, could complicate this.
Pacific islands will hope for signs that their concerns about labour access to Australia are heeded in Canberra.
The perception in Pacific island states that Canberra sees them as its ‘backyard’ could strain diplomacy.
Some Pacific island states could sue Australia and Australia-based corporates over emissions and climate.
With its government’s focus on green and labour issues, New Zealand may be nimbler in building ties with Pacific islands.
Current opinion polling suggests that the opposition Labor party will win the Australian federal election.
