rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

determined by national governments, in the
context of future responses to substance use
issues the influence of Australian and New
Zealand approaches to these matters will
be significant. While there are currently no
programs specifically targeting these issues,
many of the already funded regional law
enforcement programs have the potential to
provide a framework for future programs.
For example, the Pacific Patrol Boat Program
focuses on the fisheries industry, but future
activities are flagged to incorporate training
in search and identification techniques for
illegal substances. 16
Governance
The countries included in this 2008–09 situational
analysis are characterised by varying
degrees of political stability. Without stable
government and democratic process, it will
remain difficult to develop consistent and effective
legislation and policy to facilitate the
successful implementation of drug and alcohol
programs. In the countries characterised
by a high level of instability, ensuring government
support for interventions, in particular
those employing a harm minimisation
framework, is likely to remain an ongoing
challenge. 17 At least one key informant identified
a reluctance to implement a nationallevel
response to address problematic alcohol
use, 18 while another highlighted the absence
of a legislative framework as a barrier to addressing
current issues. 19 Finally, the priority
afforded substance use issues varies across
countries; in the 2004–05 analysis, Timor-
Leste flagged more urgent and competing
priorities. In 2009 and beyond, Fiji is facing
long-term political uncertainty and exclusion
from regional organisations which
may impact on the willingness and ability
to respond to these issues.
Population mobility
In the Pacific Islands, where high unemployment
and population growth rates
are commonplace, Recognised Seasonal
Employer programs (RSE) and other migration
opportunities have provided many job
opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers
alike. 20 The importance of movement of
‘unskilled’ labour throughout the region
and the economic benefits of migration are
often highlighted. 21 The character and skill
of migrant workforces range from Fiji as an
exporter of skilled labour, to large numbers
of seamen from Tuvalu and Kiribati working
abroad, to new recruits in the seasonal
migrant labour schemes to Australia and New
Zealand. Remittances have been identified as
a key component of gross domestic product
(GDP) in both Tonga and Samoa and have
5
16 Personal communication, May 2009.
17 See generally resources available at:
(accessed July 2009).
18 Key informant interview, 2009.
19 Key informant interview, 2009.
20 World Bank (2006), At Home and Away: expanding job opportunities for Pacific Islanders through
labour mobility. Washington DC: World Bank. New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer
program agreements are with Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu; in 2008 Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd announced that Australia will pilot a similar scheme.
21 M. Luthria (2008), Seasonal migration for development? Evaluating New Zealand’s RSE program:
overview. Pacific Economic Bulletin, 23(3).
Regional overview