This Month
Pacific delegates, DFAT out in force at historic Lions Test
The British and Irish Lions face the inaugural First Nations Pasifika XV on Tuesday. The official function could be almost as interesting as the match itself.
Rugby union’s politics and finances hit the limelight
With the code hanging by a thread, the British and Irish Lions tour appears make or break for the future of rugby in Australia.
Australia’s code war cut-out pass against China in the Pacific
Backing both sides appears to be something the country will now have to do to avoid getting caught in the crossfire between union and league.
June
Joe Hockey to join Perth Bears NRL board
The former federal treasurer is one member of a seven-person board for the new NRL side, which will play its first match in 2027.
May
Kingston offloads PNG gold mine to Ok Tedi in $95m transaction
The deal will allow the ASX-listed producer to focus on its NSW operators and hand control of the Solomon Seas project to the Papua New Guinean government.
March
Timor-Leste hands most new mining licences to Australian groups
The developing nation is thought to hold deposits of copper, gold, zinc and manganese, as well as rare earths and other critical minerals.
Billionaire Gerry Harvey takes major stake in PNG cement play Mayur
The Harvey Norman chairman now owns almost 7 per cent of the ASX-listed building materials hopeful, which raised $100 million last week.
February
Australia locks out China from PNG ports as military tensions flare
Australia’s $4 billion taxpayer-funded Pacific bank has signed a deal to upgrade one of Papua New Guinea’s major ports and keep Beijing out.
New Zealand ‘blindsided’ by Cook Islands-China deal
New Zealand, along with Australia and the United States, have become increasingly concerned about China’s growing presence in the Pacific region.
January
I get sick in a Sydney cab. Why am I going on a cruise?
A journey around Papua New Guinea’s remote south-east combines luxury cruising with some of the world’s finest snorkelling and diving.
December 2024
Gold miner St Barbara hit with $210m PNG tax demand
The company’s ASX-listed shares fell 36 per cent after subsidiary Simberi Gold was handed a taxation bill that could endanger its viability.
PNG PM’s big hopes for delayed LNG project
James Marape reported “good progress” in reducing a 50 per cent cost blowout that delayed the Papua LNG project, but doubts remain on its timing.
Bigger than sport: PNG’s PM on getting an NRL team
James Marape, Papua New Guinea’s prime minister, says the bid to join the NRL goes way beyond sport and commerce for the country, and will also benefit Australia.
October 2024
Welcome Charles, King of Great Britain alone
There is a way to achieve a republic by stealth. And one that Charles III might well understand.
September 2024
East Timor gives Pope Francis a massive welcome
Timorese jammed the motorcade route, waving Vatican and Timorese flags and toting yellow and white umbrellas – the colours of the Holy See.
June 2024
Why Australia needs to stop being PNG’s payday lender
It might seem a good, neighbourly thing to do. But loans can be damaging as poorly tied aid. The alternative is subsidising direct Australian business investment.
As China’s premier leaves, Australia launches full court press in PNG
The Albanese government will help PNG with domestic security as it tries to ward off Chinese efforts to gain influence in Australia’s closest neighbour.
May 2024
Fears of second PNG landslide and disease outbreak
The blanket of debris has become more unstable after rain and streams trapped between the rubble.
April 2024
‘Extraordinary sacrifice’: Albanese, Marape end historic Kokoda trek
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Kokoda Track hike with his PNG counterpart James Marape gave him an appreciation of the sacrifices made by WWII soldiers.
‘You’re the chief now’: Crowds greet Albanese at start of Kokoda Track
Long-time residents of Papua New Guinea said it was the most lavish welcome an Australian leader had received since Paul Keating in 1992.