29 June 2025– The Australian Embassy welcomed the arrival of the second group of Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) officers to Palau on Saturday 28 June, with all officers now in country ahead of the start of the 2025 Pacific Mini Games.
The PPSG will provide essential surge capacity to Palau’s law enforcement agencies, helping to maintain the safety and security of all athletes, delegates and spectators throughout the Games. The deployment includes 21 law enforcement officers from 12 Pacific countries, reflecting the region’s strong spirit of cooperation and mutual support. Australia is providing the financial and logistical support for the deployment, which was in response to a formal request from the Government of Palau.
Australian Ambassador, HE Toby Sharpe, said “this is an important moment for Palau, with the eyes of the region upon it. Australia is proud to work in partnership with Palau to support a successful Games. This deployment will demonstrate the strengths of the Pacific-led model and what we can achieve when we work collectively to meet the region’s needs.”
The arrival of the contingent follows the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriiil and Presidential Directive by President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. on 25 June which authorised the PPSG deployment.
“We are honoured to be in Palau as part of a Pacific-led initiative to support the policing and security needs of the Pacific” said Detective Inspector Adrian Morton from Australia during the signing. “We have brought over radio technical assistance, special technical officers with cameras and drones, body-worn tracking devices and other similar equipment to support the Bureau of Public Safety. We are here to support and be guided by the experts on the ground”.
The PPSG is a multi-country police capability established under the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI), a Pacific-led regional effort endorsed by Pacific Island Forum Leaders and designed by Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police. It includes a pool of trained Pacific police officers ready to deploy in response to regional needs, including major event support and crisis response.
“The PPI is a truly regional initiative,” said Chief Sergeant Bevan Gore from Papua New Guinea. “Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, David Manning, sits as the Chairman of the PPI’s steering committee. Thanks to the Commissioner and other Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, the PPSG stands ready to support Pacific Island countries at their request.”
The deployment to Palau marks a significant milestone for the PPI and continues a proud tradition of Pacific countries standing together to meet shared security challenges. Supported by the Australian Government, the PPI aims to strengthen collective peace and security across the region. Australia is contributing approximately AUD 400 million over five years to support the PPI.