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).
Support for Bougival Accord waning in New Caledonia
Noumea’s vote on the next step towards greater autonomy under the Accord reveals that divisions are deepening.
New Caledonia peace plan stumbles at the first hurdle
The main pro-independence coalition has rejected an accord struck in Paris.
New Caledonia’s Bougival Accord offers path beyond independence deadlock
Voters in the French territory must now decide at a 2026 referendum whether to accept dual citizenship and statehood within France.
A strategic reset for New Caledonia: France offers quasi-sovereignty, and a looming census may reveal Indigenous majority
It’s said demographics is destiny, as Australia’s closest eastern neighbour is finding out.
New Caledonia: A small step forward
The first comprehensive talks in four years at least sees the parties together in the restive territory.
New Caledonia: A troubled France seeks agreement about the future
With local elections overdue against the backdrop of recent strife comes the latest pitch for peace.
Paris offers signs of hope for New Caledonia
Recent government statements represent a major conciliatory effort by France.
A surprising litmus test for New Caledonia’s independence parties
The French election saw New Caledonia’s independence parties attain an overall majority in the first territory-wide poll since the 2018–21 referendums.
New Caledonia: France’s way or the Pacific way?
Legal, yes. Constructive? A pattern is emerging.
