Today we are pleased to announce that our two nations have elevated our long-standing relationship to an integrated economic, social and security partnership by signing the Nauru–Australia Treaty.
As highlighted by the United Nations Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), Nauru faces significant economic challenges due to its limited natural resources, connectivity, geographic isolation, narrow economic base, and small exclusive economic zone. These vulnerabilities, compounded by de-banking and climate change risks, demand urgent, collaborative action to build resilience and sustainable growth.
The Nauru–Australia Treaty is a testament to our bilateral relationship that builds on the shared history, cultural affinity, and love of sport which bind our people. Respect for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence will remain the cornerstone of our relations.
Under the Treaty, Australia will provide $100 million over five years in direct budget support to further strengthen Nauru’s economic security and resilience. This support will assist to give the Government of Nauru fiscal certainty to invest in Nauru’s future, including by making deeper and long-term investments in education, health and social services to enhance the well-being of the Nauruan people.
Through the Treaty, we will ensure Nauru does not risk being de-banked again, which is a fundamental threat to its economic security and access to banking services. We are pleased to announce that the Commonwealth Bank of Australia will commence banking operations in Nauru in 2025, replacing services currently provided by the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. We thank the Commonwealth Bank for its support.
We are committed to a peaceful, prosperous, and secure region. Our new partnership is about contributing to that — for our people, our countries and our region. We will do this by expanding and deepening our security cooperation and committing to consult on developments that threaten our sovereignty, peace or stability.
Australia commits to maintaining its standing as Nauru’s primary security partner through $40 million in new investments that will support Nauru’s policing and security needs. This includes Australian support for police and broader national security, capital infrastructure, training, equipment, recruitment and retention.
To underpin this commitment, both countries will mutually agree on any engagement by others in Nauru’s security and key critical infrastructure sectors and have agreed that critical infrastructure shall not be used by any third party for security purposes. This reflects our understanding that as Pacific countries our interests are intertwined and decisions taken by one can affect the interests of the other.
Work is underway to establish a joint committee to support the Treaty’s implementation and regular consultation and dialogue between our nations. We share an intention for the Treaty to enter into force at the earliest possible date in 2025.