Aust PM announces initiatives for Pacific

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THE Australian government has increased opportunities for Pacific Islands students to study in Australia, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
He met leaders from Pacific Islands nations at a barbecue organised by Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis at his residence after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit on Sunday. He said it was part of the Pacific Step-up initiatives.
Morrison said the initiatives were about how Australia would come in to assist at the request of Pacific Islands leaders.
Morrison also announced other Australian government initiatives for the Pacific that would see Australia continue to provide direct and increase access under a new Pacific-Australia card.
The card will streamline travel arrangements by Pacific leaders into Australia for political, sports or business trips.
They include senior politicians and others at executive level.
Morrison also announced a church partnership programme with Pacific countries started in Fiji where church groups gathered.
He said Australia wanted to facilitate the connection of individual Pacific islanders through church partnership programmes.
Morrison also mentioned the donation of three naval vessels to monitor illegal fishing.