ABC broadcasting into the Pacific region was reduced significantly 8 years ago due to funding cutbacks by the Abbott (Coalition) government.  This was arguably one of a number of government acts over past years (who can forget the Dutton comment re impact of climate change in the Pacific) which have contributed to reduced Australian influence in the Pacific.

This downward trend could potentially change after the next election, with a recent announcement by the ALP for a Pacific policy, including a significant increase in funding for ABC International. An extra $8m per year is an increase of some 80% on present funding, and will enable it to do so much more, not just in programming but in training and assisting broadcasters among our Pacific neighbours. A commentary on this is provided by Jemima Garrett - https://www.smh.com.au/world/oceania/pacific-must-hear-our-voices-but-we-must-listen-to-theirs-20220426-p5agb2.html.

While Scott Morrison appears to believe that policing Pacific unrest with the AFP is important, isn't it more important to create a civil environment where that unrest doesn't happen in the first place; through diplomacy, material assistance, and the good works of public broadcasters like the ABC?