December 2024
NRL team confirmed for PNG in $600m deal that comes with a catch
The deal, bankrolled by taxpayers, will collapse if the Pacific country signs a security agreement with China. Anthony Albanese argues it’s an investment in Australia’s security.
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.
April 2023
Hard men of rugby league can boost Australia’s soft power in the Pacific
Government sponsorship of an NRL team in Papua New Guinea is the simplest and cheapest option to secure Australia’s vital northern sea approaches.
April 2022
The collar loan: The story behind UBS’ ill-fated PNG deal
More than eight years after big bonuses were paid to UBS bankers its complex and ill-fated PNG deal continues to haunt the Swiss bank.
June 2021
Norton Rose under fire for withholding documents
The PNG inquiry into the $1.2 billion “UBS loan scandal” has been frustrated by a refusal to hand over documents to a royal commission.
May 2019
Oil Search gas play a target in latest PNG power play
Questions raised over the quality of the Elk-Antelope gas plays that have lured $4.5b in acquisition investment from Oil Search, Total and Exxon