The new agenda incorporates a bid to enhance government partnership with non-government organisation and the private sector to reduce duplication and enhance effectiveness.

The new framework provides a statement of the priorities and principles that will guide Australia’s work in the Pacific in the law and justice sector, McClelland said.

It includes working with Australia’s Pacific Island neighbours to develop approaches to law and justice appropriate to local circumstances and contexts, the government announced today.

Australia is committed to helping Pacific countries strengthen the rule of law and protect human rights, McClelland said.

“Effective law and justice promotes regional security, helps attract foreign investment and is critical to ensuring access to justice, particularly for the poor and vulnerable,” he said.

“Our assistance to the law and justice sector is vital to Australia’s broader development assistance objectives in the Pacific region,” Smith said.

In a speech in Canberra today, McClelland said a roundtable would look into how to improve law and justice in the Pacific.

The Framework for Law and Justice Engagement with the Pacific is available at www.ag.gov.au/pacificframework.