The Australian Government has responded to concerns raised by Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy over governance and media freedom in Samoa. In a letter dated 11 November 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reaffirmed Australia’s support for democracy, press freedom and its development partnership with Samoa.
Australian Government
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
11 November 2026
Ref: MC26-007266
Mr Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy
CTV Media New Zealand and Australia Inc
Dear Mr McCarthy
Thank you for your letter of 29 October 2026 to the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, regarding your concerns about governance and media freedom in Samoa. Your letter was referred by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as it falls within our portfolio ministers’ responsibilities.
Australia and Samoa share a longstanding bilateral partnership, built on mutual respect, shared values and strong people-to-people links. This is underpinned by our shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
Australian development assistance to Samoa is subject to periodic performance assessment to ensure it delivers on the joint objectives outlined in the Australia-Samoa Development Partnership Plan 2024-2030. A full mid-cycle review of the Plan will be undertaken in 2027. Further information is publicly available at: https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/samoa/development-assistance.
Australia’s long-standing position is that freedom of the press is a fundamental part of any vibrant democracy, including Samoa. Most recently, at Samoa’s United Nations Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review on 3 November 2026, Australia publicly stated its view that Samoa should work to “uphold freedom of expression, as protected by the Samoan Constitution, including for open and independent media”.
Australia continues to support independent, resilient, and professional media in Samoa through capacity and capability building initiatives for local media and Samoa’s national independent media association through Australia’s development program, including the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) and Regional Media Support Fund (RMSF).
I trust this information is of assistance.
Yours sincerely
Stacey Nation
Assistant Secretary, Polynesia Branch
Australian Government
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R G Casey Building, John McEwen Cres, Barton 0221
T +61 2 6261 1111
DFAT.GOV.AU
Original Document: View the Australian Government’s official response (PDF)
