European Parliament approves stricter mechanism for visa waiver suspension

The European Parliament has approved legislation that makes it easier to revoke the right to enter the EU without a visa from countries that pose a security risk or violate human rights. On Tuesday, MEPs approved the reform of the EU's visa...

Vanuatu Hosts First-Ever Hague Academy Session in the Pacific

For the first time, the prestigious Hague Academy of International Law has brought its External Programme to the Pacific, with Vanuatu hosting the 46th session at the National University of Vanuatu (NUV). The week-long event welcome co-organised...

Outback water project unlikely due to $30m shortfall, minister says

The New South Wales water minister has revealed it is unlikely a long-awaited project to ensure water security for an outback town can be built without increased funding from the Commonwealth. Rose Jackson told ABC Broken Hill "I won't bullshit...

Wells in hot seat as Coalition targets minister over triple-0 outages — as it happened

2h agoTue 7 Oct 2025 at 6:28am That's the end of our live blog That's the end of our live blog for today. Thank you for joining us! We'll be back again tomorrow morning for another sitting day here at Parliament House in Canberra, and more Senate...

Australia and PNG Sign Defense Treaty, Agreement With Vanuatu Delayed

Last week, Papua New Guinea approved a new treaty with Australia, the Pukpuk Treaty, under which the two countries commit to defending each other in the event of an attack. Meanwhile, Australia is still seeking to finalize the Nakamal Agreement...

Palestine and the Pacific

Why have island nations been so prominent among supporters of Israel? By Nic Maclellan Standing beside Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on 17 September, Fijian prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka declared that “the people of Fiji share a very close...

FCOSS wants government to address systemic PALM issues

[File Photo] The Fiji Council of Social Services is recommending the government carry out a comprehensive social impact assessment of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme. National President Sepesa Rasili says such an assessment is vital...

FCOSS calls for empathy and action after PM’s PALM comments

The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has expressed concern over recent comments made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in which he described some Fijian seasonal workers in Australia as an “embarrassment.” In a statement released today,...

PM Rabuka updates Parliament on the development cooperation agreement between Fiji and Vanuatu

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Monday updated Parliament about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Development Cooperation between Fiji and Vanuatu, which was signed by him and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Jotham Napat, on 10...

Vanuatu open to signing deal with Australia but will not be…

Vanuatu remains open to signing a wide-ranging deal with Australia but must assert its sovereignty and will not be subject to pressure or “bullying” from larger countries, the country’s internal affairs minister, Andrew Napuat, said. Australia...

Vanuatu open to signing deal with Australia but will not be subject to ‘bullying’ from larger countries

Vanuatu remains open to signing a wide-ranging deal with Australia but must assert its sovereignty and will not be subject to pressure or “bullying” from larger countries, the country’s internal affairs minister, Andrew Napuat, said. Australia...

Vanuatu MP urges French President Macron to return Matthew and Hunter

French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit will only be useful to Vanuatu if he accepts for France to return our two islands — Matthew and Hunter, says Johnny Koanapo, Vanuatu Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanna, Tafea Province. The French President...

On Road to Belem, Pacific countries raise their voice on 1.5…

Pacific countries at the forefront of the climate crisis, described as a “ticking time bomb”, have vowed that their One Pacific Voice on keeping 1.5 alive, is heard loud and clear at the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework...

'Positive outcome': NSW psychiatrists win boost in pay dispute

NSW public sector psychiatrists have won a 20 per cent interim pay rise for 12 months, following a ruling in the state's Industrial Relations Commission (IRC). More than 200 public hospital psychiatrists tendered their resignations earlier this...

Fiji, Vanuatu renew ties

Fiji and Vanuatu have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen development cooperation across key sectors, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Parliament. “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed as part of our...

Greens urge government to swiftly secure release of Australians on Gaza flotilla — as it happened

7h agoFri 3 Oct 2025 at 3:43am That's the end of our live blog That's all we've got time for today, folks! Thank you for joining us. It's been great having you here. Make sure to join us next Monday at the same place for everything federal...

Experts warn biofuels not a long-term solution for shipping

Experts advising Pacific states at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) warn that biofuels are not a long-term solution for decarbonising shipping, highlighting threats to food security, supply constraints, and rising costs for vulnerable...

PNG and Vanuatu deals show Australia’s growing contest with China

Events around this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) have shown how Australia and China are competing to win influence over the region, as the risk of war grows. Solomon Islands, the host of this year’s PIF, received more than $18 million in...

Vanuatu Tells Australia to Respect Its Pending Policing Agreement With Beijing

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (L) and Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat (C) at a press conference on Tanna Island, Vanuatu, on Aug. 13, 2025, in a still from video. Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via...

Fiji PM Rabuka outlines key outcomes from International engagements in ministerial…

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Wednesday told Parliament that Fiji’s recent international engagements are producing tangible results for healthcare, climate resilience, regional cooperation, and global diplomacy. Delivering a ministerial...