VCE Global Politics 2025 Unit 2 AOS 3: 'Australia in the Indo-Pacific'

What is a recent Australian agreement with Indonesia?

The Australia-Indonesia Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in August 2024 with the goal of creating greater interoperability between the two nations.

What is an agreement between Australia and Nauru?

The Nauru-Australia Treaty, signed in December 2024, seeking an ‘integrated economic, social and security partnership.’ Australia provides banking access to Nauru citizens.

What was the agreement signed between Australia and Papua New Guinea?

The PukPuk Defence Treaty, signed in October 2025. It is a mutual defence treaty, the first ever such treaty for the PNG. 

What is an agreement between Australia and the UK?

The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement signed in May 2023. 

What was the Trade Agreement signed between the UAE and Australia?

The Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in November 2024. It eliminates 99% of tariffs on Australian exports.

What was the recent deal made between Australia and Japan?

The frigate deal signed with Japan in August 2025. 11 Mogami-class frigates were purchased from Japan for approx. $10 billion AUD.

What was that Penny Wong quote?

‘Our diplomacy must be underwritten by our military capacity.’- Penny Wong, Minister of Foreign Affairs. 

What is the Five Eyes alliance?

An intelligence alliance comprising of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Council members exchange views on subjects of mutual interest and concern.

What is the Richard Marles quote about military buildup in China?

In China we are seeing the ‘biggest military buildup since World War 2’.

What are some of Australia’s Foreign Policy Aims?

Maintaining a global rules-based order, keeping Chinese influence out of the Indo-Pacific by forming strong relationships with Indo-Pacific Nations, maintaining strong connections with other Western Nations through the Five Eyes Alliance and AUKUS agreement, building up its maritime capabilities, and creating stronger economic and trade ties with other Western-aligned nations.

Who are the members of the QUAD agreement?

Australia, India, Japan and the US, created in Manila in 2007.

What was the quote from the 2022 Foreign Policy White Paper?

Indo-Pacific Partnerships are ‘of first-order importance.’

What are some examples of Australia using Soft Power to create regional influence?

A Papua New Guinea NRL team was announced in December 2024, and the tv show ‘Bluey’ is aired in 140 countries worldwide.

What is an example of Australia using aid for influence?

In its 2025-2026 budget Australia allocated approx. $5.1 billion AUD for development assistance in the Pacific.