Sports • Papua New Guinea • AustraliaAustralia's record $600m Pacific rugby deal tied to 'invisible string', report claimsCanberra is using sports as a strategic tool to deepen its influence in the Pacific but critics warn the focus on league could leave rugby union nations such as Fiji looking elsewhere, including China.PMN NewsWed, 15 Jul
Politics • Solomon Islands • AustraliaSolomon Islands rebuild traditional ties amid Pacific security debateAustralia pushes new defence pact in Honiara as Pacific experts warn regional voices must remain at the centre of security decisions.Christine RovoiTue, 07 Jul
Politics • Fiji • AustraliaFiji and Australia sign major defence and security partnershipPrime Ministers Sitiveni Rabuka and Anthony Albanese strengthen cooperation as Canberra expands its engagement in the Pacific.Christine RovoiMon, 06 Jul
Immigration • AustraliaAustralia's govt warns seasonal workers who leave PALM scheme lose all protectionsOfficials say Pasifika who disengage from the programme can become vulnerable to hardship and exploitation amid concerns over former workers reportedly living rough in Sydney.Christine RovoiWed, 10 Jun
Law & Order • Sāmoa • AustraliaShots fired at wrong venue ahead of funeral for slain Sydney gang figure Lorenzo LemaluA gunman opened fire on a venue mistakenly linked to the funeral of slain Sāmoan gangster Lorenzo Lemalu, less than a day before mourners gathered under heavy police presence to farewell him.PMN NewsMon, 08 Jun
Politics • Solomon Islands • AustraliaSolomon Islands PM secures $35m Australia funding, resets strained ties in power shiftMatthew Wale held talks on a new bilateral treaty with Canberra and secured emergency funding as Pacific leaders step up negotiations on aid, security, and sovereignty amid rising global pressure.PMN NewsThu, 04 Jun
Pacific Region • Fiji • AustraliaEx-seasonal workers found living rough under Sydney bridge sparks welfare concernA video showing men, some believed to be former PALM workers living under an overpass has triggered an investigation, renewing questions about worker welfare and support systems in Australia.Christine RovoiWed, 03 Jun
Sports • Fiji • Australia‘I would trade that for a win’: Mataele’s hat-trick not enough as Drua fall to the Reds in BrisbaneManasa Mataele scored a stunning hat-trick in his final game of the Super Rugby Pacific season but the Fijian Drua’s finals hopes ended with a 45-24 loss to the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.Christine RovoiFri, 29 May
Pacific Region • Vanuatu • Australia • ChinaVanuatu to sign new deals with Australia, China as PM defends sovereignty concernsPrime Minister Jotham Napat says the two major cooperation agreements with China and Australia are needed to protect Vanuatu’s independence.PMN NewsTue, 26 May
Pacific Region • Australia‘It’s us, we’re the issue’: Pacific documentary confronts colourismABC Pacific presenter and journalist Alice Lolohea’s latest project asks why skin tone bias still shapes how Pasifika see each other and themselves.Atutahi Potaka-DewesTue, 19 May
