Overview:
Pacific journalists visiting Canberra gained first-hand insight into Australian media, government engagement, and cultural institutions during the DFAT International Media Visit. From touring Parliament House and national newsrooms to exploring the National Gallery and renewable energy initiatives, the program highlighted regional collaboration, security, and Pacific-led solutions for shared challenges.
By: Summer Kennard
Canberra, Australia (March 18, 2026) – Participants of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) International Media Visit (IMV) program visited Parliament House in Canberra on Day 3, engaging with government officials, touring national media outlets, and attending a high-level joint press conference on regional security and cooperation.
The group met with Patrick Conroy,Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, who outlined Australia’s engagement with Pacific countries across sectors including media, civil society and regional partnerships.
Participants also toured the Parliament press gallery, visiting newsrooms including ABC Canberra, SBS News and 7NEWS to observe how national political reporting is produced.
The group later visited the National Gallery of Australia, which houses significant regional collections, including works from Papua New Guinea.
The day concluded with a joint Australia–New Zealand press conference featuring Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins.
An IMV participant from Nauru Media asked on how closer Australia–New Zealand cooperation would affect Pacific Island countries and drew responses focused on coordination, security and regional support.
Collins said closer collaboration would improve disaster response efforts across the Pacific.
“We don’t want to get in the way of each other… we need to make sure we coordinate better,” she said, noting both countries are frequently called upon during natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes and volcanic events.
Marles said joint efforts create opportunities for “Pacific-led solutions to Pacific challenges,” highlighting programs supporting maritime security and efforts to combat illegal fishing.
Wong emphasized shared regional interests, stating: “We share a region, we share an ocean and we share a future… for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”
Peters described the Pacific as a “front yard” for both nations, stressing cultural and geographic connections across the region.
On Day 4, participants attended the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular, where hot air balloons are launched at sunrise as part of a community event.
The group then visited the Majura Solar Farm, where discussions focused on renewable energy and the challenges Pacific Island nations face in adopting solar power systems.
At The Canberra Times, participants learned about the transition from print to digital journalism, including tools used to track audience engagement and newsroom performance.
The visit concluded at the National Museum of Australia, where participants met with Australia Awards scholars before departing Canberra for Sydney.