Pacific Fusion Centre | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
August 2023 – January 2024
The Challenge
The Pacific Fusion Centre (PFC) is pivotal in addressing regional security concerns identified by Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders in the 2018 Boe Declaration on Regional Security. Tasked with enhancing cooperation and information sharing, the PFC aims to empower national, sub-regional, and regional responses to shared security threats. Reporting to the Pacific Islands Forum Officials Committee (FOC), and specifically the FOC Sub-committee on Regional Security (FSRS), the Centre focuses on the needs of security officials from PIF member states and regional organisations. Funded solely by the Australian Government, the PFC is structured around governance principles set in its Charter.
A crucial component of the PFC's mission is the periodic review of its governance model to ensure it remains relevant and effective. This inaugural performance review spans from the appointment of the first Pacific Director in December 2021 to August 2023, a period that also included the relocation of the PFC to Vanuatu and the establishment of its new, purpose-built facilities.
The Solution
To conduct a thorough performance review, a multi-faceted approach was employed. This included comprehensive document reviews, consultations with key stakeholders, and feedback collected through a survey of alumni from the Pacific Analyst Program. A significant advantage during this process was the inclusion of a senior Pacific figure on the team. This individual's presence provided not just credibility but also facilitated open dialogue with the Director of the PFC, fostering a sense of collaboration among senior Pacific officials. This equal footing proved vital to the success of the review.
The Outcome
The culmination of this extensive review process is a detailed report featuring 14 recommendations aimed at enhancing the governance and operational effectiveness of the PFC. These recommendations will be presented at the upcoming Sub-committee on Regional Security meeting, where decisions will be made on how best to implement these improvements. This strategic effort underscores the PFC's commitment to adapting and evolving to meet the ever-changing security landscape in the Pacific region, ensuring that it continues to serve its key beneficiaries effectively. The ongoing focus on performance and governance will undoubtedly strengthen the PFC's role in regional security cooperation.
