Australia recently hosted a Cook Islands delegation, under a tailored programme themed around connectivity, with delegates traveling to Sydney, Uluru, Canberra, Brisbane, and Lady Elliot Island to share perspectives and strengthen ties.

The delegation included Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann, Secretary of Health Bob Williams, Secretary of Education Owen Lewis, Principal Immigration Officer Chere Arthur, Tourism Cook Islands chief executive Karla Eggelton, and MFAI Director of International and Trade Division Mackenzi Wichman.

In October 2024, the senior public sector led by Secretary Herrmann, visited Australia as part of the Canberra Fellowships Programme.

According to a statement from the Australia High Commission in the Cook Islands, the Canberra Fellowships Program is a prestigious program that hosts current and emerging leaders from the Indo-Pacific in Australia through tailored small-group visits. The programme provides unparalleled opportunities for delegates to develop people-to-people links with counterparts; support opportunities for deeper cooperation on shared interests; and builds the Indo-Pacific’s understanding of Australia.

They participated in the Senior Officials Roundtable Talks (SORT) led by Australia’s Head of the Office of the Pacific, Elizabeth Peak, and included officials from the Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force, and the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security.

Discussions focused on key areas of cooperation such as maritime security, education, health, sports, and tourism – reflecting shared goals for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

Roundtable discussions with academic institutions and other arms of the Australian Government, including the Pacific Security College, the Australian Sports Commission, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and the Queensland Department of Education, and Tourism and Events, nurtured existing relationships and fostered new connections, allowing delegates and hosts to learn more about policy interests, perspectives and priorities.

Delegates met with counterparts delivering health and education services in rural and remote Australia, hearing about familiar challenges in access, continuity of care, and data management.

The Cook Islands diaspora also welcomed delegation where there was a vibrant cultural event showcasing Indigenous and Cook Islands performances, and highlighting the multicultural fabric of contemporary Australia.

Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Her Excellency Phoebe Smith said: “The Canberra Fellowships Program offers a unique opportunity to deepen understanding between our two nations. Experiencing Australia’s diversity and culture first-hand strengthens our partnership and opens doors for meaningful collaboration. I thank Secretary Herrmann and her team for their engagement and time in committing to the program, and I look forward to building on these important conversations and connections.”

The visit marked two years since the signing of the ‘Oa Tumanava partnership agreement between Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown. The ‘Oa Tumanava partnership is a formal agreement which helps guide cooperation between the two governments. Release