PM leads charm offensive as Wallabies clash with Fiji
Share and Follow

They are neighbours, friends and in many cases family, but now the Pacific Islands are being seen as vital in the struggle for power in our region.

With China’s influence growing, Australia is pushing back, turning Wallabies into ambassadors.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was the guest of honour in Newcastle as part of a charm offensive aimed at a pivotal player in the Pacific power struggle.

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was the guest of honour in Newcastle as part of a charm offensive aimed at a pivotal player in the Pacific power struggle. (AP)

With China investing billions into infrastructure projects across the Pacific Islands, Australia and our allies – unable to compete financially –have turned to sport as part of a bigger-picture approach. Fijian workers on a specialty Pacific visa class were in the stands.

“We provide a lot of support for rugby in the Pacific – it’s an important way of connecting up with a lot of young people,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia ahead of the International Test match between the Wallabies and Fiji. (Getty)

“That essentially is about family. We are all part of the Pacific family – we have an important responsibility.”

Rugby union is the code of choice for Fiji, with the new NRL team vital for Papua New Guinea, our nearest neighbour.

The contest for hearts and minds in the Pacific has been made harder with the Trump administration cuts to American financial aid in the region.

“We are managing, and in three years hopefully things will change,” Rabuka said.

Deputy Nationals leader Kevin Hogan said “Obviously China are an important trading partner for us”.

Harry Wilson of the Wallabies is presented the Vuvale Bowl by Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia and Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji during the International Test match between Australia Wallabies and Fiji at McDonald Jones Stadium on July 06, 2025 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) (Getty)

“We have issues with China – we have things we need to talk about their leadership as well,” he told Sky’s Agenda.

The prime ministers jointly presented the Vuvale bowl to the winning Wallabies today.

Trust and cooperation in uncertain times is a much bigger prize.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The knuckledusters seized at Perth Airport (inset) and the domestic terminal.

Washington man faces court for reportedly having brass knuckles in carry-on for flight

A West Australian man is set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court…
Desperate search for 27 missing girls after flood disaster

Search Intensifies for 27 Missing Girls Following Flood Catastrophe

At least 51 people, including 15 children, were killed, with most of…
Tammy Hembrow leaves fans confused as she's seen wearing her diamond wedding ring following split from husband Matt Zukowski

Tammy Hembrow wears wedding ring after breakup with Matt Zukowski – causing confusion among fans

Tammy Hembrow is heading for divorce after splitting from her husband of…

Introducing a Revolutionary Tool to Combat Australia’s Leading Cause of Death

Lung cancer is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer, but causes the greatest…
Concerns grow for former Sydney society 'It' girl and celebrity stylist Kelly Smythe after she was accused of shocking forgery scam

Growing Concern for Celebrity Stylist Kelly Smythe Following Accusations of an Alarming Forgery Scam

Friends of Sydney socialite and stylist Kelly Smythe are growing concerned in…
Thunderstorms coming for parts of NSW

Large sections of NSW experience hail during thunderstorms

A pool of unstable cold air in the region whipped up some…

Dozens of people, including over 20 kids, tragically die in Texas floods during ongoing search efforts

Key Points The death toll from catastrophic floods in Texas has reached…

From saving to scrutinizing: Understanding the DNA testing business

There was something about the way three police officers surrounded Michael Usry…