A commentator on Pacific issues says it's disappointing but not surprising that Australia's new prime minister won't be attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru.
Australia's new Foreign Affairs Minister, Marise Payne, will be attending the Forum instead of Scott Morrison.
As part of Mr Morrison's reshuffle, the International Development and Pacific portfolio no longer has a minister and has been given what's called an 'assistant minister' - also known as a parliamentary secretary.
Australia's Labor Party has called the move a downgrade, saying it sends a signal to Pacific nations about how little Australia cares about the region.
Former diplomat turned academic, James Batley, spoke to Amelia Langford, who started by asking him about the decision to drop the position of minister in favour of a new assistant minister, Anne Ruston.
Scott Morrison Photo: AFP
