Author: TMC Palau

The Development Intelligence Lab’s recent breakdown of Australia’s foreign affairs spending in the 2026 Federal Budget turns up some astonishing figures, one of which is the amount of money spent on intelligence. According to the Lab’s number crunchers, $2.2 billion will be spent on the National Intelligence Community in 2026–27, a figure which rises to $4.6 billion if you include the Australian Signals Directorate, which resides within the Defence portfolio. That higher figure almost equals what Australia will spend on total Official Development Assistance in 2026–27 ($5.2 billion). Yet the very nature of intelligence means details of how this money…

[Photo: TAINA BASIYALO] Defending Skipper Cup champions Malolo Rugby Union are taking a different approach to their pre-season preparations, with players working alongside the Fiji Pine Trust as they gear up for another title defence. The initiative is helping ease financial pressures on the team while also strengthening team unity ahead of the new season, which kicks off on August 1. Although the Fiji Pine Trust is unable to directly sponsor the side, players have been engaged through a government-funded extension scheme, allowing them to earn an income while contributing to a major reforestation project in the Sigatoka Highlands. The…

Fijian human rights activist Shamima Ali. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Kelvin Anthony A human rights activist in Fiji is calling for the joint police-military taskforce on drugs to be disbanded, but the Fijian government says it does not support the call. It comes as the military revealed more than 60 witnesses have been spoken to in an investigation into the death of Jone Vakarisi, The Fiji Times reported. Police have classified Vakarisi’s death as murder after the Republic of Fiji Military Forces had initially claimed that the notorious figure known to law enforcement had died of pre-existing conditions. Exactly two months…

Elder abuse, including rising financial exploitation and neglect of older persons, remains a serious concern. This was according to the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, which says abuse is still occurring in homes and communities. It is often hidden and underreported. This makes detection and response more difficult. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said the focus must move beyond awareness. She called for stronger prevention and action. She said elder abuse is unacceptable. It includes physical, psychological and financial abuse, as well as neglect. She said most cases happen behind closed doors.Article continues after…

[Photo: FILE] All schools across Fiji will be closed today as heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and coastal inundation continue to worsen nationwide. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says the decision was made overnight following consultations with the National Disaster Risk Management Office and the Fiji Meteorological Service, after the latest forecasts indicated a significant deterioration in weather conditions. While earlier assessments indicated schools could operate as normal, persistent heavy rainfall and flooding in several areas have prompted the nationwide closure of all schools today, Tuesday, 16th June. Tertiary institutions have been encouraged to make their own decisions based on…

[Photo: FILE] Former Journalist Josefa Nata has warned iTaukei Fijians never to support another uprising. Submitting to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Nata said indigenous people should not be misled into backing any takeover carried out in their name. He said such actions are often promoted as a way to improve living standards or address past grievances. Nata said many iTaukei Fijians have seen little benefit from the 1987 and 2000 coups. Instead, he said their situation has worsened.Article continues after advertisement The former politician spent 24 years in prison for his role in the 2000 coup. He said he…

[Photo: FILE] The country is under pressure to improve its standing in the United States Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. Concerns have been raised that the country was close to slipping to a lower tier due to gaps in enforcement, resourcing, and victim protection. Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence Lenora Qereqeretabua questioned how much time Fiji has left to regain a stronger position in the rankings. Permanent Secretary for Immigration Aliki Salusalu said Fiji’s next assessment would be based on the national submission made at the end of March.Article continues after advertisement “But a lot…

[Photo: FILE] Concerns have been raised over Tourism Fiji’s engagement with operators in remote areas such as Labasa and the Rakiraki–Tavua corridor. Questions have been raised about access to industry support and major events. The Standing Committee on Economic Affairs raised the issue during its review of Tourism Fiji’s 2015–2018 annual reports. It said operators in non-traditional tourism areas may not fully understand available support and opportunities. The committee noted that places like Labasa and Rakiraki–Tavua have international hotels, small properties, and homestays. However, they often miss major industry events. Tourism Fiji Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Magan says Industry Day…

[File Photo] Pacific leaders are warning that transnational drug trafficking networks are exploiting the region’s vast maritime borders. They say the Pacific is becoming a growing corridor for illicit narcotics. Pacific Fusion Centre Director Viliame Bovoro says the threat has moved beyond policing. He says it is now a regional security, health, and social crisis. Bovoro links the issue to wider public health impacts. He points to Fiji’s HIV outbreak as an example of the downstream effects of illicit drugs. “The spillover is being left in our countries, and the Pacific risks losing an entire generation if action is not…

Tropical disturbance near the Marshall Islands Photo: Mark Rabago The National Weather Service in Guam is monitoring a tropical disturbance near the Marshall Islands. It says a potential threat has emerged from Eastern Micronesia, where Invest 92W is moving west-northwest toward the Mariana Islands. However, forecasters say there remains considerable uncertainty about its future development, track and impacts. The CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office (HSEM) is closely monitoring the disturbance in co-ordination with the National Weather Service Guam office. Invest 92W is currently located near the Marshall Islands and remains a broad, weak and disorganised system with no…