The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is a founding partner of PRIF and has been the major contributing partner since PRIF’s establishment. DFAT is the lead agency managing Australia’s international presence and provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the Australian Government. The Pacific Step-Up is one of Australia’s highest foreign policy priorities to bring balance, mutual respect and long-term partnership and commitment to the Pacific region. Australia is the largest grant donor  to  the Pacific, working  across  sectors critical to driving inclusive economic development and reducing poverty.