During this time of national catastrophe in Australia, messages of solidarity have been pouring in from friends all over the world. For me, many have come from French friends in Europe and the Pacific. My …
Articles by: "Denise Fisher"
With New Caledonia’s independence referendum set for Sunday 4 November, the campaign is in full swing as those for and against independence from France make their cases. The vote raises crucial questions about New Caledonia’s future, …
Australian policy observers are focused on President Emmanuel Macron’s first visit to Australia. But there will be another first immediately afterwards: his visit to the French territory of New Caledonia across the Coral Sea. The …
After difficult discussions, agreement has been reached on the question to be put in the 4 November 2018 referendum on New Caledonia’s independence. But tricky negotiations continue. France, the colonial power, is claiming to be neutral, …
Australia’s 2017 white paper on foreign policy is necessarily a sweeping ranking of priorities and partners. Not unexpectedly, the paper renews our commitment to our major partner, the United States, while foreshadowing a nuanced relationship …
New Caledonia is preparing to hold an independence referendum by the November 2018 deadline. The stakes are high, as the outcome could redefine France’s status in our region. All parties have a lot to do …
A request for UN mediation, and the discord evident at the Committee of Noumea Accord Signatories on 4 October, show that old wounds are reopening in New Caledonia as pro-France and pro-independence groups stake their …
New Caledonia, our French neighbour, sits just off the Queensland coast, but well off our strategic radar screen. Our Defence White Paper 2013 doesn’t mention it, nor even France’s role in the South Pacific. However, France’s 2013 …