The number of Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers serving in Vanuatu could nearly double in the coming years under the Nakamal Agreement between Vanuatu and Australia.

The agreement, signed by Prime Ministers Jotham Napat and Anthony Albanese in Port Vila in June 2026, was discussed during a hearing before Australian senators on Monday.

Australian officials said the agreement’s commitment to preventing foreign military bases and defence infrastructure in Vanuatu reflects the country’s existing laws.

Police cooperation expected to increase

AFP Assistant Commissioner David McLean told the hearing that eight Australian Federal Police officers are currently serving in Vanuatu.

He said the number could nearly double as Australia strengthens its existing bilateral policing programme under the agreement.

The support could cover a range of areas, including general policing, administration, forensic services and training.

It could also include assistance with police infrastructure, such as police stations, headquarters and storage facilities, depending on Vanuatu’s needs.

McLean said the agreement would allow the AFP to work more closely with Vanuatu Police.

Vanuatu’s law on foreign military bases

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade executive Jan Hutton told senators that the agreement’s provision against foreign military bases and security infrastructure reflects Vanuatu’s own legal requirements.

Last year, Vanuatu’s Parliament passed an amendment to the National Security Act confirming the country’s status as a non-militarised state.

Vanuatu has also maintained relationships with a range of international partners, including China, through infrastructure and policing cooperation.

A wider partnership

The Nakamal Agreement was first agreed in 2022 but was not ratified in Vanuatu at the time. It was revived in 2025 under the government led by Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

Australia has pursued bilateral agreements with Pacific countries to strengthen its regional partnerships. While Papua New Guinea and Fiji have entered defence agreements with Australia, the Nakamal Agreement focuses on a broader partnership that includes policing cooperation.

For Vanuatu, the latest discussions highlight the expected expansion of police cooperation while reaffirming the country’s existing legal position on foreign military bases.