Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy has written again to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), questioning what assessments have been conducted on Australian development assistance to Samoa and whether they have examined concerns about governance and media freedom.
In his letter dated 13 November 2026, McCarthy also lodged a Freedom of Information request.
The latest correspondence follows the Australian Government’s response to his original concerns.
McCarthy submitted the following letter to Samoa NewsHub for publication as a Letter to the Editor.
13 November 2026
Ms Stacey Nation
Assistant Secretary, Polynesia Branch
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R G Casey Building, John McEwen Crescent
Barton ACT 0221
Australia
Re: Your letter of November 2026 — reference MC26-007266.
Dear Ms Nation
Thank you for your response to my letter of 29 October 2026 concerning governance and media freedom in Samoa. I welcome Australia’s stated support for freedom of the press and its work with media organisations. However, the response does not answer the central questions which is: what assessments have actually been carried out to date, what did they find, and what action followed?
Your third paragraph says Australian development assistance to Samoa is subject to periodic performance assessment and that a full mid-cycle review of the Australia–Samoa Development Partnership Plan 2024–2030 will occur in 2027. That describes a general process and a future review; it does not identify any completed assessments, its terms of reference, evidence, findings, evaluator, or recommendations. Nor does it say whether assessments have examined democratic accountability, the practical conditions for independent media, or the concerns raised in my letter.
The Plan’s published Performance Assessment Framework sets out indicators and expected results for the first three years. DFAT’s published development performance framework also refers to annual reporting, investment monitoring, independent evaluations and impact assessments. In that context, it would assist to know which of these processes have already been applied to Samoa and to the media-support initiatives mentioned in your letter. A review scheduled for 2027 does not explain what monitoring or evaluation has taken place in the meantime, or whether any issues requiring earlier action have been identified.
The other points in your letter do not resolve that gap. Australia’s statement at Samoa’s Universal Periodic Review is a welcome expression of principle, but it is not an assessment of conditions on the ground or an account of follow-up. The statement itself calls on Samoa to uphold freedom of expression, including for open and independent media. Similarly, the existence of capacity-building programmes does not, by itself, show whether they have improved media independence, whether support reaches independent local outlets and associations, or whether wider risks to free reporting have been assessed. I am seeking evidence of outcomes, safeguards, and follow-through, not simply confirmation that programmes exist.
To that end, we would appreciate substantive responses to the following:
- What performance assessments, monitoring exercises, reviews, evaluations or impact assessments concerning Australia’s development partnership with Samoa have been completed since the Partnership Plan began in 2024? Please identify the dates, responsible unit or independent evaluator, scope, methodology and publication status.
- Which assessments examined the Plan’s objective of supporting inclusive and accountable governance, freedom of expression, media independence, journalists’ ability to report, or operating conditions of independent media in Samoa?
- What Samoa-specific assessment has been made of the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS), the Regional Media Support Fund (RMSF), and other Australian support for local media or the national independent media association? Please provide findings on effectiveness, reach, independence, risks, complaints or safeguards, and recommendations or management responses.
- What consultation has DFAT undertaken for these assessments with independent Samoan media, the national media association, civil society organizations, journalists or other relevant non-government actors?
- Have any assessment findings led to changes in programmes design, risk management, funding, engagement or other action? If so, please describe the action and its status. If no relevant assessment has yet been undertaken, please confirm that and explain how the concerns will be considered before the 2027 review.
Freedom of Information request
To obtain the underlying records, please treat this part of my letter as an application under the Australian Freedom of Information Act 1982 for access to documents held by DFAT from 1 January 2024 to the date of this request. Moreover, we are also relying on the bilateral partnership between Australia and Samoa given this information will be of significant benefit to the people of Samoa both in Samoa and abroad. On that note, we acknowledge Australia’s transparency in its many international dealings as a well-functioning democracy.
- performance assessments, monitoring, reviews, evaluations or impact assessments under the Australia–Samoa Development Partnership Plan 2024–2030, particularly material concerning its inclusive and accountable governance objective;
- DFAT’s assessment of media freedom, freedom of expression or independent media in Samoa in connection with Australian development assistance; and
- the design, monitoring, evaluation, risk assessment, findings and management responses relating to PACMAS, RMSF, and other Australian-funded support for Samoa’s local media or independent media association.
Please send notices and released material by email to [email protected] and [email protected].
I would appreciate a direct response to the questions above, together with the relevant public reports or links. Please also confirm whether any assessment records are held by another Australian agency or minister and, if so, identify the appropriate office for a request from us to that body.
Ma lo’u fa’aaloalo lava.
Sincerely
Sala Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy
Director
CTV Media New Zealand and Australia Inc
