Australia announces $15.6m for Pacific athlete development

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a $15.6 million investment to support the development of high-performance Pacific athletes. The announcement was made during the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau as part of a broader sports diplomacy strategy leading up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The funding is intended to assist athletes in preparing for several major upcoming events, including the 2027 Pacific Games, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the 2029 Pacific Mini Games. This initiative follows a significant $600 million rugby league pact aimed at expanding the sport in the region, which includes plans to bring an NRL team to Port Moresby by 2028.

Experts have noted that this approach represents a more strategic, regional-focused effort compared to previous Olympic preparations. Beyond athletic competition, the investment is viewed as a tool for human security and regional engagement, potentially using sport to address social issues such as education and violence in the Pacific.