‘The Pacific can’t survive if richest corporations and governments continue to put profits over people and planet’
Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman has warned that the survival of the Pacific is in peril if the world's biggest polluters continue to put profit over people and planet, in Suva overnight.
Prime Minister Loughman made the remarks at the launch event for a powerful coalition of civil society groups who have come together to support the Government of Vanuatu's...
Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong hints at Solomons strategy
Australian Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong has hinted at how she would handle the deteriorating relationship with the Solomon Islandsif Labor wins government.
Responding to a ramping up of rhetoric by Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare this week, Senator Wong said the regional security of the Pacific “goes beyond any single leader or any single nation”.
Speaking on ABC News...
Seruvakula names Fijiana 15s side against Wallaroos
Fijiana 15s head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made several changes to his side to face the Australian Wallaroos at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane tonight.
Sereima Leweniqila will captain the side from the base of the scrum.
The match kicks off at 7pm.
Fijiana (1-15): Joma Rubuti, Karalaini Naisewa, Vika Matarugu, Jade Coates, Merevesi Ofakimalino, Ema Adivitaloga. Emma Masi, Sereima Leweniqila (c), Reijieli...
Global and Pacific Civil Society comes together to back Vanuatu Government Climate campaign
A global alliance of civil society groups, representing over 1500 civil society organisations in 130 countries, has launched today to support a powerful new climate justice initiative by the Government of Vanuatu to take the human rights impacts of climate change to the world's highest court, the International Court of Justice.
The Government of Vanuatu has announced that it will...
Loss and Damage high on the Pacific list for climate change meetings in June
When it comes to climate change negotiations, Loss and Damage is one Pacific priority issue that has been on the table for many years.
Loss and Damage is when the impacts of climate change are greater than our ability to adapt, be that of our ecosystems, communities or countries. These are impacts of slow onset processes such as sea level...
New Zealand foreign minister blames ‘relationship failure’ for China-Solomons security deal
The shock over China’s security deal with Solomon Islands is evidence of “a relationship failure” , New Zealand’s foreign affairs minister has said, confirming that the pact took New Zealand, Australia and other Pacific nations completely by surprise.
The deal marks Beijing’s first known bilateral security agreement in the Pacific. The text of the final deal is secret, but a...
PNG liquor ban for three months during election period
Papua New Guinea Police Minister William Onglo plans a three-month liquor ban to be imposed during the election period from 12 May to 29 July.
In a letter to all governors, he said the liquor ban would prevent trouble during the election.
“The impact of alcohol-related offences can trigger something bigger around the country,” he said.
“With the election it can have...
Morrison defends relations with Solomon Islands after ‘invasion’ claim
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has today defended Australia's relations with the Solomon Islands despite the Pacific nation's leader slamming critics of its security deal with China.
Morrison was speaking on Today after Solomons Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said he feared invasion by some countries.
“I will continue to work constructively with the Solomon Islands government as we always have,” Morrison...
Scott Morrison has not spoken to Solomon Islands prime minister since calling election
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has not spoken with the prime minister of Solomon Islands since the Australian election campaign began but insists he wants to put the countries’ relationship back on a positive footing.
The Australian prime minister made the remarks on Wednesday, a day after his Pacific island counterpart Manasseh Sogavare launched a thinly veiled criticism of some politicians’...
Defence experts’ warning following China’s security deal with Solomon Islands
The question on the lips of many Australians right now is what is China up to in the Solomon Islands and should our government have been able to stop it?
Our tiny neighbour's decision to sign a security agreement with a country many fear is becoming an ominous threat to peace has sent shockwaves through the Pacific region.
Sam Roggeveen is...