'Crystal clear' Australia will meet nuclear obligations

Penny Wong says it is "crystal clear" Australia will comply with a regional nuclear free treaty, as the country acquires nuclear-powered submarines, amid mounting pressure from Pacific island nations.

Speaking in Noumea, the foreign minister said she had reaffirmed Australia's commitment to honouring its obligations in a meeting with New Caledonia's president of the government Louis Mapou.

"I want to make this crystal clear - we will ensure we comply with our obligations under the Treaty of Rarotonga (South Pacific nuclear free zone treaty)," she said on Thursday.

"We will ensure we continue to be a party which exercises the highest standards of compliance with the non-proliferation treaty."

Senator Wong is visiting the French territory, where she earlier addressed New Caledonia's congress.

Australia's plan to acquire nuclear-propelled submarines under the AUKUS security partnership with the US and UK is being criticised by its regional neighbours over fears the deal will undermine a nuclear-free Pacific.

The government has said it consulted with the Pacific, before announcing the pathway it would take to acquiring the submarines.

The Rarotonga treaty legally binds members from manufacturing, possessing, acquiring or controlling nuclear weapons.

In a speech, Senator Wong said Australia is considering expanding the Pacific labour mobility scheme to include New Caledonia.

She said the government was discussing the proposal with New Caledonian and French authorities. 

"Australia wishes to explore the feasibility of New Caledonian residents joining the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility, known as PALM scheme," Senator Wong said.

"It is one example of how Australia is working with Pacific partners to deliver for Pacific priorities and to build a more prosperous, a more secure region.

"Australia is a close friend of France and we are proud of our joint efforts in the region."

Senator Wong said Australia valued France's contribution to security and prosperity in the Pacific.

The labour scheme recruits people from nine Pacific nations and East Timor to help fill critical labour shortages in Australia, while developing skills and providing incomes for workers to support their families back home.

Senator Wong will also travel to Tuvalu this week, marking her 10th visit to the Pacific as foreign minister.