Blog
Oceania
Victoria State’s Booming Population and Busted Budget
By Grant Wyeth
Melbourne’s infrastructure needs and the state’s budget problems are clearly in grave tension. The abandonment of critical and necessary rail projects cannot be the solution.
What’s Behind the Deadly Riots in New Caledonia?
By Adrian Muckle
The violent unrest in New Caledonia is alarming. Sadly, the island territory is no stranger to violence.
Violence Rages in New Caledonia as France Rushes Emergency Reinforcements to Its Pacific Territory
By Barbara Surk and Alex Turnbull
France imposed a state of emergency for the first time since 1985 as protests against voting reforms morphed into violence.
France Imposes Curfew in New Caledonia After Protests Turn Violent
By Associated Press
The unrest started as French lawmakers debated voting reforms opposed by the indigenous Kanak people, who have long sought independence.
Fiji’s Former PM Frank Bainimarama Sentenced to Prison for Interfering in Police Investigation
By Rod McGuirk
The charges stem from 2019, when then-Prime Minister Bainimarama ended an investigation into allegations of financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific.
Australia: How Child Maltreatment Drives Mental Health Crisis
By Lucinda Grummitt
Many cases of mental illness in Australia could be eradicated by targeting child maltreatment. The impacts of doing nothing are devastating.
New Zealand’s Geopolitical Friendly Fire Has Its Limits
By Geoffrey Miller
Australia and Canada are on the receiving end of fiery remarks made by New Zealand ministers, but there are limits to the tough talk.
Jeremiah Manele Becomes Solomon Islands Prime Minister
By Patricia O’Brien
Whatever window of opportunity the election presented for a change of course on the geopolitical front has closed. But Manele has an opportunity still to deflate regional tensions.
The Inevitability of Indian Spies in Australia
By Grant Wyeth
India’s emerging great power status comes with great power behavior.
Fiji and Rabuka’s Peacemaking Ambitions
By Merewalesi Nailatikau
The prime minister is promoting his “Ocean of Peace” concept, despite significant dissonance within Fiji’s foreign policy.
Australian Ministers Won’t Comment on Media Reports That Indian Spies Were Secretly Expelled
By Rod McGuirk
Australia's prime minister, foreign minister, and treasurer all deflected questions about India’s reported “nest of spies” in the country.
Where to Next in Australia’s Battle With Elon Musk and X?
By Terry Flew
The Australian government’s battle with Elon Musk and X over violent content appears admirable, but will it change anything for those vulnerable to its harm?