Albanese juggles national security and trade in foreign policy bonanza. The stakes could not be higher | Tom McIlroy

China may be the biggest loser in landmark week where the PM met leaders of India, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Krissy Barrett was a young Australian federal police intelligence officer back in 2003, when years of ethnic tensions and thuggish anarchy pushed Solomon Islands to the brink. After the country’s government collapsed and violent factions smashed the police, Australia stepped in to help. The Howard government hastily stood up a regional assistance mission, with Barrett, the future AFP commissioner, deployed as part of the peacekeeping force. Originally expected to last for months, Australians were on the ground for nearly 15 years. In a speech in the US this week, Barrett said the fraught period had shaped her leadership and outlook on the world. “While the true north of the Pacific Island chiefs is the rhythm of the blue ocean, constant and comforting, we acknowledge the tides are changing,” she said, imploring decision-makers to adapt too. “I cannot help defend and protect Australians and our sovereignty by only doing my job in Canberra, just like my fellow Pacific police chiefs canno

Jul 10, 2026 → Jul 15, 2026