Truss replaces Abbott at Pacific forum

Prime Minister Tony Abbott won't attend this week's Pacific Islands Forum because of his workload in dealing with the MH17 disaster.

Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss will go to Palau in Mr Abbott's place, accompanied by Senator Brett Mason, the parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs.

Issues on the agenda include ocean sustainability, aid spending and economic growth.

Australia is set to provide $1.1 billion in development assistance to the Pacific region in 2014/15.