Australia will soon create a dedicated office of the Pacific within its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The announcement was made by the Australian Prime Minister during his keynote address at the University of the South Pacific yesterday.

Scott Morrison says this will give them a loud and authoritative voice when dealing with issues affecting the Pacific.

“The Office will drive the implementation not just from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade but from a whole of (Australian) government perspective. Countries will continue to engage no doubt and essentially with each of the individuals departments and agencies of Australian government but there will be a champion sitting within government.”

The office will be led by Ewen McDonald who has been recalled from his diplomatic posting from New Zealand.