The Nakamal Agreement between Vanuatu and Australia was signed in Canberra on 29 June 2026 by Prime Ministers Jotham Napat and Anthony Albanese, in duplicate. It is legally binding. In Vanuatu a nakamal is the meeting place where a community consults. It is not PACER Plus, nor the Boe Declaration, which the preamble recalls.

Article 1: to elevate the bilateral relationship — integration, Vanuatu’s economic transformation, climate and disaster resilience, security and sovereignty. Article 2: cultural connections among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Australian South Sea Islanders and ni-Vanuatu, including dialogue about the historical labour recruitment. Article 3, at framework level: recognised traineeships, the digital economy and budget support. Article 4: a transition to net zero by 2050 and renewable energy, including the preservation of maritime zones notwithstanding sea-level rise.

Article 5: Australian humanitarian assistance on request; Vanuatu shall prioritise FRANZ. Article 6: enhanced mobility arrangements and a domestic distinction of citizenship by investment, with an annual review; a visa handbook is not transcribed. Article 7, still at framework level: security dialogue consistent with the Boe Declaration; Vanuatu shall not permit its territory to be used for any foreign military base or infrastructure; policing requests shall be prioritised to Pacific Islands Forum members. A base, police or intelligence handbook is not transcribed.

Article 8: critical infrastructure (ports, telecommunications, aviation, energy) free from militarisation or foreign interference; consultation with Australia on third-party engagement. Article 9: a Nakamal Committee, at least every six months, decisions by consensus. Article 10: disputes shall be settled by consultation or negotiation, not referred to a tribunal; the Committee is the forum; either Party may suspend obligations pending resolution. Article 11: amendments by written mutual consent. Article 12: it enters into force on receipt of the last notification, by diplomatic notes, that domestic requirements have been completed; unilateral termination takes effect after 24 months. Article 13: subsidiary instruments, with this Agreement prevailing.

Cover: Parliament House in Canberra, the place of signature; we do not claim the hall. Wikimedia Commons, free licence.

Sources consulted: Nakamal Agreement; Vanuatu – Australia Nakamal Agreement (DFAT).