Author: TMC Palau

In the first article in this two-part series we explained why last year, 2024–25, Australia set a new record for issuing backpacker visas: the number, 321,000, was significantly above the previous record of 258,000 set in 2012–13. We ended that article by speculating that it might have been the record inflow of backpackers that has finally spurred the government to implement reforms that have been debated for at least the last decade — since in 2016 the Fair Work Ombudsman found, after an inquiry into the employment of backpackers, that the scheme’s “work-for-visa” system is broken. The 2026 budget flagged…

The president of a Western Pacific island country has asked the United Nations to place nicotine under global drug control. The World Health Organization says tobacco and nicotine products kill more than seven million people every year.Palau President Surangel Whipps is calling on governments around the world to “join us in asking the United Nations to finally treat nicotine like the toxic and addictive drug that it is.”While there have been international controls on various drugs for more than 75 years, no country has ever approached the issue with this course of action.Nicotine is among the few major addictive substances…

[Photo: FILE] McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women head coach Mike Legge has acknowledged slow starts in recent matches as the side prepares to face the Brumbies in Ba this Saturday. Legge admits conceding early points has been a concern, especially against quality opposition, but says the issue has been addressed during the week. The coach is confident the adjustments made in training will translate on match day. “We identified it last week and felt we let ourselves down in that first half with a slow start. We’ve changed a few things at training to better replicate match starts, and we’re hopeful…

Political parties in New Caledoania are now in full campaigning mode for the French Pacific territory’s provincial elections.The campaign officially opened on Monday and will last until 26 June 2026 at midnight local time.The crucial poll, involving over 190,000 voters (as part of a recently revised, but still restricted electoral roll) is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 28 June.The campaign will be carried out on the ground, at rallies and on posters, but also in dematerialised mode, on the Internet and social media.On the security front, the French High Commission in New Caledonia has been allocated and is maintaining…

[Photo: FILE] Fiji is strengthening its readiness to respond to a potential outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza through a national tabletop exercise launched yesterday. The exercise, led by the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry in partnership with the Pacific Community and New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, is designed to test the country’s preparedness and response mechanisms against one of the world’s most serious animal disease threats. Speaking at the launch, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Inosi Kuridrani stressed the importance of being proactive in the face of growing global disease risks.…

[File Photo] Australia has committed an additional AUD15 million, or approximately FJD23.6 million, to support the construction of Fiji’s new referral hospital. Cabinet has endorsed the fourth amendment to the Direct Funding Arrangement under the Fiji Budget Support Programme, allowing Fiji to access the grant funding through the existing budget support mechanism. The additional funding forms part of a broader multi-year partnership between Fiji and Australia aimed at supporting the development of the new national referral hospital. With the latest contribution, Australia’s total support under the Fiji Budget Support Programme will increase from AUD150 million to AUD165 million.Article continues after…

Fiji and the United States are strengthening cooperation to combat transnational crime at sea, with the arrival of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane. Media personnel were invited aboard the vessel today to gain a firsthand look at its capabilities and its role in supporting Fiji’s maritime security efforts under the 2018 bilateral ship-rider agreement. Vessel Commander Justin Matejka says the vessel conducts various missions, including search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime defense, and environmental protection. “This is something we’d like to exercise as frequently as we can; obviously, it builds capacity and capability for the Fijian Authorities…

Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Wang Yuan speaking today at a press briefing China says it remains committed to respecting the sovereignty and independent decisions of Pacific Island nations. The assurance was given by Chinese Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Wang Yuan when questioned on whether political changes in the Solomon Islands and elsewhere could affect China’s engagement in the Pacific. Wang said China does not view its relationship with Pacific nations through the lens of geopolitical competition and respects the choices made by governments across the region. “We continue to say that China has our full respect for the Pacific Island countries.…

[File Photo] Concerns have been raised over a lack of public awareness about the Na Vualiku Project, despite it being one of the largest development investments earmarked for the Northern Division. During discussions on Tourism Fiji’s 2015–18 Annual Report before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, committee member Semi Koroilavesau said many residents in Vanua Levu appear unaware of the scope and purpose of the project. Koroilavesau stressed the need for greater public engagement and awareness to ensure communities understand the project’s objectives and the opportunities it could bring to the North. “We understand that it is a huge loan…

PALAU is gearing up to welcome leaders from across the Pacific for this year’s 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting in Koror from August 30 to September. Officials say the meeting will be shaped by some of the region’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, transnational crime and economic stability. Speaking ahead of the summit, Palau Minister of Justice Jennifer S. Olegeriil said the host government wanted more than a smooth event. Olegeriil said the forum should produce serious political momentum. “Palau is excited to host the upcoming PIFS leaders’ meeting in Palau,” Olegeriil said, adding that the government…