Australia in discussions to avoid ‘devastating consequences’ of US aid cuts for Pacific nations

Exclusive: Penny Wong says diplomats are consulting US government and engaging with countries in our region' to determine need for additional support

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

The Australian government is consulting Pacific nations to assess the devastating consequences" of the Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid and considering what additional support it can provide ahead of next week's federal budget.

In a letter to a Liberal MP concerned the freeze could cause irreversible" damage to Pacific communities, the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, said Australian diplomats were discussing its impact with US government officials.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email