Australia will host the 12th South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting (SPDMM) in 2027, after members endorsed Australia's nomination at this year's meeting in Fiji.
SPDMM is the region's premier defence ministerial forum, bringing together Pacific partners to strengthen defence cooperation and support Pacific-led responses to shared security challenges.
Ministerial representatives from Australia, Chile, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga met in Fiji from 22 to 24 September 2026 for the 11th South Pacific Defence Minister' Meeting under the theme "Securing the Blue Pacific: Collective Responsibility, Resilient Futures".
Officials from Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated as observers while Pacific Islands Forum representatives were also in attendance, providing a regional perspective.
Discussions focused on regional preparedness, countering transnational organised crime, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and strengthening cooperation across the Pacific security architecture.
Australia welcomed the outcomes of the meeting, including continued progress on regional initiatives that enhance collective security and resilience across the Pacific.
Australia's hosting of SPDMM in 2027 reflects its enduring commitment to working alongside Pacific partners to address shared security challenges and support a peaceful, stable and resilient region.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"I thank Fiji for hosting a successful meeting and look forward to welcoming our Pacific partners to Australia next year.
"Australia is committed to working closely with all members to deliver a successful meeting in 2027 that advances our shared vision of a secure, resilient and prosperous Pacific."
Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
"Australia is proud to host the South Pacific Defence Ministers' Meeting in 2027 and continue supporting Pacific-led cooperation on our shared security challenges.
"As demonstrated in Fiji this week, SDPMM brings regional partners together to strengthen preparedness, build resilience and deepen practical defence cooperation across the Pacific."
