Pacific heads of military, law enforcement, customs, and immigration gathered in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from 18 to 20 March 2025 for the seventh Joint Heads of Pacific Security (JHoPS) meeting.
Established in 2019, JHoPS brings together 24 Pacific island jurisdictions, two observer countries, the United States and Japan, and seven regional organisations to address regional security challenges.
This year’s event, under the theme ‘Align and collaborate to advance our collective security’, was a pivotal opportunity for leaders to discuss innovative approaches to fostering greater collaboration and enhancing interoperability across the Pacific.
The meeting aimed to find new ways for nations to work together effectively, particularly in maritime law enforcement and regional coordination, through practical exercises and expert exchanges.
Commander of the 1st (Australian) Division, Major General Ash Collingburn, representing the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, expressed his gratitude to Papua New Guinea for hosting the event and for their leadership.
“It’s in our shared interest to work together with increasing efficiency, developing more rapid and capable frameworks in support of a secure and resilient region.”
One key initiative discussed was the creation of a Regional Operations Deployment Framework, which aims to improve the practical coordination of regional responses to security threats. Participants also participated in tabletop exercises to enhance interagency collaboration, essential for tackling the emerging and complex security challenges the region faces.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw highlighted the multidimensional security challenges in the region, from traditional threats to emerging issues like cybercrime. “The AFP is committed to partnering with Pacific law enforcement partners through mutual resource-sharing initiatives and training,” he said, adding that the Pacific Police Support Group would provide a multinational police response capability to the region in times of need.
Australian Border Force Commissioner Gavan Reynolds noted the significance of JHoPS in fostering collaboration between agencies. “This type of information exchange between Pacific partners sets us up well to respond to emerging security challenges,” he stated, looking ahead to future discussions on strengthening the region’s security capabilities.
A key milestone during the meeting was the official opening of the Pacific Policing Initiative’s (PPI) first Regional Centre of Excellence (RCOE) in Port Moresby. This training and development facility will provide police recruits and investigative training, marking the first of four planned RCOEs across the Pacific. Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Deputy Commissioner Dr Philip Mitna and AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan led the opening ceremony on 21 March 2025.
Assistant Commissioner Ryan emphasised the importance of the RCOE in strengthening regional law enforcement. “The AFP is proud to be part of the official opening of the PPI’s first RCOE,” he said.
“Crime has no borders, and the collaboration boosted through this RCOE will continue to ensure law enforcement is enhanced through training and capability uplift.”
The Pacific Policing Initiative, an Australian-backed, Pacific-led initiative, is designed to support the region’s law enforcement agencies through specialised training, operational support, and the creation of centres of excellence. The PPI will empower Pacific nations to collectively respond to security challenges, including cross-border crime and natural disasters.
The RCOE will serve as a training hub, offering specialised courses developed and led by Pacific police to tackle regional challenges. The Australian Government has provided funding to support this initiative, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the security capacities of the Pacific islands.
“The PPI is ‘By the Pacific, For the Pacific’,” said Assistant Commissioner Ryan.
“This work shared between Pacific police partners is vital for enhancing the security of communities across the region and for collectively countering evolving regional security threats.”
The Pacific Policing Initiative encompasses three key pillars: Regional Centres of Excellence, the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), and the Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub. Each centre will enhance policing capabilities through training in priority areas such as recruit training, investigations, and forensic operations.
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