Denise Fisher
Biography
Publications
Denise Fisher is a Visiting Fellow at ANU's Centre for European Studies. Denise was an Australian diplomat for thirty years, serving in Australian diplomatic missions as a political and economic policy analyst in Rangoon, Nairobi, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Washington DC before being appointed Australian High Commissioner in Harare (1998-2001), accredited to Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola and Malawi; then Australian Consul-General in Noumea, New Caledonia (2001-2004). She is the author of France in the South Pacific: Power and Politics (2013).
![New Caledonia: France’s way or the Pacific way?](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-06/GettyImages-2158443838.jpg?itok=_vk9UHnm)
New Caledonia: France’s way or the Pacific way?
Legal, yes. Constructive? A pattern is emerging.
![France’s legislative elections and complications for New Caledonia](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-06/GettyImages-2156378335.jpg?itok=xK0rflhr)
France’s legislative elections and complications for New Caledonia
There is only hope, however vain, that this move may provide space for calm reassessment of positions.
![Next steps for New Caledonia in the wake of Macron’s proposals](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-05/GettyImages-2153740033-crop.jpg?itok=_YyXyLa_)
Next steps for New Caledonia in the wake of Macron’s proposals
A flying visit by the French president to the Pacific territory leaves a long road ahead.
![Violence erupts in New Caledonia as independence supporters oppose legislation in Paris](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-05/GettyImages-2152323748.jpg?itok=UYlsWZ9m)
Violence erupts in New Caledonia as independence supporters oppose legislation in Paris
Macron’s plan has backfired. But there can be no sustainable solution without cooperation of all parties.
![New Caledonia: Uncertainty and division intensify as Paris imposes its will](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-04/Untitled%20design.jpg?itok=nOS3GKvV)
New Caledonia: Uncertainty and division intensify as Paris imposes its will
Work is needed now to ensure history does not repeat.
![New Caledonia: France’s threat to impose change unilaterally weakened](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2024-01/GettyImages-1559009918.jpg?itok=h5Zcf7IB)
New Caledonia: France’s threat to impose change unilaterally weakened
A French State Council decision, quietly released just after Christmas, has set back Paris’ timetable.
![New Caledonia: Independence leader wins French Senate seat over Macron favourite](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-10/GettyImages-1686016064.jpg?itok=zhwpCdYD)
New Caledonia: Independence leader wins French Senate seat over Macron favourite
An extraordinary result further complicates France’s hope of securing early agreement about the future.
![Uncertainty in New Caledonia](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-06/New%20Caledonia%20vote%20comp.jpg?itok=uDaYXB9r)
Uncertainty in New Caledonia
France is threatening to resolve key issues on New Caledonia’s future unilaterally if local parties cannot agree.
![France tightens the screws in New Caledonia](https://www.lowyinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/expert_publications/public/2023-04/GettyImages-1241540970.jpg?itok=V2EtTHPM)
France tightens the screws in New Caledonia
Pro-independence leaders believe time is on their side, but the French government sees little room for compromise.
Pagination