Australia–Nauru relations

Australia–Nauru relations

Australia	Nauru

Foreign relations exist between Australia and Nauru. Australia administered Nauru as a dependent territory from 1914 to 1968 and has remained one of Nauru's foremost economic and aid partners thereafter. Nauru has a High Commission in Canberra and a consulate-general in Brisbane. Australia is one of only two countries to have a High Commission in Nauru. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

History

During World War I, Australia seized control of Nauru, a German territory. Britain, Australia and New Zealand were given a joint League of Nations Mandate over Nauru in 1920, but the island was administered by Australia. It was governed by Australia as a United Nations Trust Territory after World War II. In 1968, Nauru became an independent sovereign nation, following the Australian parliament's passage of the Nauru Independence Act 1967 . ^[1]

Bilateral relations since Nauru's independence

In 1989, Nauru appealed against Australia to the International Court of Justice, due to the environmental devastation inflicted by phosphate mining during the colonial period. ^[2] In 1994, Australia agreed to settle the matter with Nauru out of court. The Australian Government agreed to pay Nauru A$57 million in compensation as well as A$50 million over the next 20 years. ^[1]

In 2001, bilateral relations were strengthened by an agreement known as the "Pacific Solution". Nauru agreed to host a detention centre for refugee applicants seeking asylum in Australia, in exchange for economic aid. This agreement came to an end in 2007, following the election of Kevin Rudd as Prime Minister of Australia, prompting Nauruan concerns about the future of the island's revenue. ^[3]

In March 2008, talks began between Australia and Nauru regarding the future of the former's economic development aid to the latter. Nauruan Foreign and Finance Minister Dr Kieren Keke stated that his country did not want aid handouts. One possible solution currently being explored would be for Australia to assist Nauru in setting up a "boat repair industry" for regional fishing vessels. ^[4] In July 2008, Australia pledged €17 million in aid for the following financial year, along with assistance for "a plan aimed at helping Nauru to survive without aid", according to ABC Radio Australia. ^[5]

On 9 December 2024, Australia and Nauru signed a joint security treaty which provided for Australia to provide Nauru with A$100 million (US$64 million) in direct aid over five years in exchange for Nauru consulting with Australia before signing any bilateral agreements with other countries. ^[6]

On 29 August 2025, Australia signed an agreement with Nauru allowing for the deportation of formerly detained people without valid Australian visas to the island in exchange for financial compensation of at least A$408 million. ^[7]

Economic relations

Monthly value of Australian merchandise exports to Nauru (A$ millions) since 1988

Monthly value of Nauru's merchandise exports to Australia (A$ millions) since 1988

In 1972, the government of Nauru bought the land at a price of A$19 million which became Nauru House in Melbourne as an international investment. In 2004, the Nauruan Government was forced to sell Nauru House to pay off debts. ^[8]

Australia remains one of Nauru's major diplomatic and economic partners. ^[9]

References

1. Dauvergne, Peter (22 July 2019). "A Dark History of the World's Smallest Island Nation". The MIT Press Reader. MIT Press. Archived from the original on 8 July 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
2. "Certain Phosphate Lands in Nauru (Nauru v. Australia)". International Court of Justice. Archived from the original on 3 March 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
3. La Canna, Xavier (7 February 2008). "Nauru 'hit' by detention centre closure" . Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 1 September 2025.
4. "Nauru suggests boat repair industry". Saipan Tribune . 4 March 2008. Archived from the original on 28 May 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
5. "Nauru signs $US27-million aid deal with Australia". ABC Radio Australia . 31 July 2008. Archived from the original on 18 August 2008. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
6. "Australia seeks to block China with Nauru security deal". Deutsch Welle . 12 September 2024. Archived from the original on 8 June 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.
7. "Australian government signs deal to deport former detainees to the tiny island country of Nauru". AP News . 31 August 2025. Archived from the original on 1 September 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
8. McAloon, Cath (18 April 2004). "Receivers take over Nauru House". The Age . Archived from the original on 11 May 2004. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
9. "Engagement in Nauru". Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Archived from the original on 8 July 2025. Retrieved 1 September 2025.