PINA

Australia has struck a new security agreement with Solomon Islands to bolster the size of the Pacific island nation's police force. The ABC has been told that Australia has committed $190 million (US$118 million) to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and establish a new police training centre in Honiara. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Solomon Islands counterpart Jeremiah...

Solomon Islands government’s move to amend the constitution which proposed an extended timeframe to allow for the establishment of the Constituent Assembly was defeated Thursday after only 31 MPs voted for it and 14 MPs, mostly from the Opposition, were absent when the roll was called. The amendment needed three quarter or 38 of the 50 MPs to support before...

With a fist pump and tears of relief, Chantel Mara was visibly emotional as she stepped onto the tarmac at Brisbane international airport, finally home after witnessing the devastation caused by the Vanuatu earthquake. “It feels so good to be home,” she said. “We’re home. We’re safe.” Mara was among the 136 Australians who returned on two RAAF planes on Thursday evening,...

Multiple Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) flights to Vanuatu this week have delivered emergency responders and tonnes of search and rescue equipment and aid, while 93 New Zealanders and approved foreign nationals have been evacuated. Another evacuation flight is being planned for Saturday and the aircraft will also deliver more humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies as part of...

Tuvalu, an island nation threatened by sea-level rise in the South Pacific, is preparing for the worst-case scenario of submersion by digitising its government and taking other steps to secure its future, Prime Minister Feleti Teo said in a recent interview. Made up of nine low-lying coral atolls with an average height above sea level of just 2 metres, Tuvalu's...

Australians stranded in Vanuatu are calling for help as Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) planes bring 148 citizens home after delivering vital assistance following a deadly earthquake. The Australian government has repatriated 148 citizens on two RAAF planes sent to deliver search and rescue teams and other assistance following a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that devastated Port Vila. A young mother fresh off...

Fetū Sāmoa have skyrocketed up the women’s IRL World Rankings after their successful Pacific Championships campaign, while Tonga have moved back into the top four men’s teams and New Zealand feature for their first time in the wheelchair rankings. Australia remains first in the men’s and women’s rankings following their Pacific Cup victories, while England are still the top wheelchair...

Vanuatu is at risk of landslides caused by severe weather following a deadly magnitude-7.4 earthquake, as the nation's weather bureau warns a low pressure system will bring rainfall early next week. The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department has issued a warning of a low to medium likelihood of a cyclone developing. Officials are closely monitoring low-pressure activity in the Coral Sea,...

Tobacco-related illnesses cost the Fijian economy FJD$319 million (US$159.5 million) every year, equivalent to 2.7 percent of its GDP and about 4.3 times more than the revenue generated by cigarette taxes. They also kill more than 1,200 Fijians annually. Implementing the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control represents one of the most cost-effective means for improving people’s lives...

Aid workers on the ground in Vanuatu have described the fear sparked by a deadly earthquake as humanitarian workers prioritise the most needy amid widespread destruction. The magnitude 7.2 earthquake off Efate Island, which has so far killed 14 people, was followed by aftershocks, including one 6.1 magnitude quake, and sparked landslides. Powerlines and water supplies were affected in addition to...