Luke is joined by Lincoln Parker, Chair of the Liberal Party’s Defence & National Security Policy Branch, who expresses concerns about the government’s effectiveness with the Solomon Islands, which has fallen under China’s influence, postponed national elections, denied USN Ships entry, and allowed Chinese police presence.

Additionally, Solomons PM Sogavare declined to attend the White House Pacific Islands Summit with Biden, raising concerns about the lack of attention to this issue.

Mr. Parker also doubts AUKUS’s progress, citing delays in upgrading the Stirling submarine base and the absence of progress on the announced missile factory, leading him to question Richard Marles’ performance as Defence Minister.

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