It was interesting to hear Penny Wong’s comments at the press conference (yes, there was more to it than rugby), where she praised Samoa Police and the partnership with Australian agencies.
Yeah, sure, she’s a diplomat, and sweet words and praise often come with the territory, but what stood out was how consistently she framed Samoa as a capable partner, not a system needing outside fixing.
She spoke about cooperation that has been in place for years, joint work, and ongoing institutional relationships between police agencies.
That’s a very different signal from the separate New Zealand policing support visit the Prime Minister has been talking about in recent weeks, which he has framed in terms of strengthening and fixing capability within Samoa Police.
She also talked about her visit to Samoa as a member of the Australian government’s “opposition”, and that the partnership between both countries has been in place for many years. That is acknowledgement of previous governments in Samoa, something that is often glossed over or painted in a negative light by our current administration. We all know opposition to government is now seen as treasonous.
She also mentioned that both countries are pro-democracies, where voices are heard. Ahem.
Wong spoke about Samoa’s institutions with steady respect and continuity, never suggesting weakness, never implying outsiders were there to direct or correct.
It was the contrast in tone. Wong projecting reassurance and steady partnership with Samoa, while our own leadership messaging about policing in recent weeks has leaned toward crisis and big brother support.
Her tone stayed measured and diplomatic throughout, even when the press conference itself drifted. That contrast matters. Lauilalemalietoa is our Foreign Minister and domestic politics are a different animal to foreign relations.
Wong was signalling a long-standing state partnership that outlasts governments; Lauilalemalietoa often frames relationships through the lens of the current administration.
Also, we need to be more discerning of political rhetoric, because Wong was very clear that the regional funding proposal for Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa rugby hadn’t even been submitted to Australia. So we should question claims that Australia contacted Samoa directly to ask why we haven’t signed the proposal. I mean, what proposal?
A final note, the press conference was bad, but not the end of the world. It is concerning though if this is a sign of what to expect for the next 4 or 5 years. Will the PM control all media engagements? I almost miss the scarcity of Fiame’s media engagements because the avalanche of pressers we’re getting is making my head spin.
I will say that it’s rarely ever a good idea for a leader to freelance their own pressers. That’s the work of the press/comms teams.
A o seisi foi a o seisi se’i musumusu age iai e kuu le galuega i le ofisa sooupu a e tausi pea laga mamalu ona i a o le Palemia.
