In this bulletin:
1. FIJI — Fiji may go to polls under current Constitution: PM Rabuka
2. VAN — Former Vanuatu PM blasts Nakamal agreement
3. SOL — Tribunal appointed to investigate Solomon Islands Police Commissioner
4. FIJI — Fiji reaffirms U.S partnership as America marks 250 years of independence
5. PALAU — Whooping cough case confirmed in Palau; Health officials urge vaccinations, vigilance
6. NZ — El Niño declared, expected to intensify into one of the strongest on record
7. PNG — El-Nino’s health effects noted
8. PACNEWS BIZ — GCF approves $52.5 million for restoring Fiji’s forest landscape to support food security and livelihoods
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Palau expands sustainable giant clam farming through community hatchery and trainings
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Govt warns PALM workers: Absconding risks opportunities for others
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Warning ‘dire combination’ poses regional food crunch
12. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — How Asia and the Pacific Can Get Ready for the Next Pandemic
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — The Nakamal Agreement is not quite the deal Australia wanted
FIJI – ELECTION/POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Fiji may go to polls under current Constitution: PM Rabuka
SUVA, 02 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji may have to hold the next general election under the current Constitution and electoral laws if proposed reforms are not completed before voters go to the polls.
Rabuka made the comments after political analyst and academic Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva questioned whether there was enough time to complete constitutional reforms before the next general election.
Speaking to the Fiji Sun last month, Ratuva said Fiji was facing a race against time to complete the reforms, adding that voters needed sufficient time to understand any proposed constitutional amendments.
He warned that rushing constitutional changes or a referendum could undermine public understanding and confidence in the process.
Rabuka said he agreed with Ratuva’s assessment but stressed that the matter ultimately rested with Parliament.
“I agree with him. But we cannot extend the time. Parliament will make a decision,” the Prime Minister said.
The Constitution Review Commission is continuing nationwide consultations, while the Electoral Commission is reviewing Fiji’s electoral arrangements.
The next general election is due by February 2027.
“And if we have to call an election when it’s due, then we may have to go to the election on the old Constitution, the old electoral provisions.”
Rabuka also said a referendum could be held alongside the general election, depending on when the relevant motion is tabled in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s electoral system could undergo its biggest transformation in more than a decade under a series of reforms proposed by the Electoral Commission.
The commission is recommending a mixed voting model, a lower threshold for parliamentary representation and the return of constituency-based representation.
Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Usaia Ratuvili presented the Commission’s submission to the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) Tuesday.
He said the recommendations build on the work of the Electoral Law Reform Commission and are intended to strengthen representation while maintaining a proportional Parliament.
Among the key proposals is replacing the nationwide constituency with a mixed electoral system that would allow every voter to elect a local Member of Parliament while preserving proportional representation.
Justice Ratuvili said the commission also supported reducing the current five percent threshold required for political parties to enter Parliament, arguing that the existing system sidelined many voters who support smaller parties.
The submission also recommends re-establishing an independent Constituency Boundaries Commission with constitutional status if constituency-based elections are adopted.
Justice Ratuvili said electoral boundaries should be determined by an independent body rather than the election management authority.
The commission also proposed removing constitutional provisions that disqualify serving prisoners from voting and replacing outdated references to “unsound mind” with language consistent with Fiji’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
It also recommended retaining voluntary voting.
To improve electoral certainty, the commission proposed that major changes to election laws should not take effect during an election year and suggested narrowing the timeframe for announcing general elections.
Justice Ratuvili said the Constitution gave the executive broad discretion over when elections were held, creating uncertainty for political parties preparing their campaigns.
The submission also recommends merging the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office into a single independent electoral management body governed by a five-member board serving staggered five-year terms.
The proposed reforms also separate the role of Registrar of Political Parties from the chief executive to avoid conflicts of interest during appeals.
Justice Ratuvili said constitutional questions such as term limits, the retirement age for public office holders, the CRC and Parliament should ultimately determine the possible return of an Upper House and caretaker government arrangements…. PACNEWS
VAN – POLITICS: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Former Vanuatu PM blasts Nakamal agreement
PORT VILA, 02 JULY 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) —Former four-time prime minister of Vanuatu Sato Kilman says the new security pact with Australia undermines his country’s traditional non-aligned foreign policy outlook of being friends to all and enemies to none.
The current Prime Minister Jotham Napat signed the Nakamal Agreement with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Canberra this week.
Both countries have agreed to water down key clauses Australia had sought, aimed at limiting Chinese investment in Vanuatu’s ports, airports and telecommunications by blocking “third party involvement” in critical infrastructure.
Instead, the new agreement says Vanuatu will “consult Australia on proposed third party engagement in Vanuatu’s critical infrastructure”, which must remain “free from militarisation, any form of foreign interference or unauthorised access”.
Sato Kilman says the Nakamal Agreement will benefit Vanuatu but he believes the security aspects of it are “unhealthy” …. PACNEWS
SOL – POLICEC CHIEF: TAVULI NEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Tribunal appointed to investigate Solomon Islands Police Commissioner
HONIARA, 02 JULY 2206 (TAVULI NEWS) — A tribunal has been appointed to investigate allegations against Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Ian Vaevaso, who has been suspended pending its findings.
An Extraordinary Gazette issued on 17 June 2026 announced the establishment of a three-member tribunal under Section 129(5) of the Constitution to inquire into allegations of misconduct against Vaevaso.
The tribunal was appointed by Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu following representations from Prime Minister Matthew Wale, who cited complaints alleging that Vaevaso interfered with lawful police investigations and arrests while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police.
The Prime Minister also provided information concerning the alleged destruction of illicit drugs, including ketamine and methamphetamine.
According to the Gazette, the tribunal will examine whether Vaevaso unlawfully interfered in the arrest of Jackson Vaikota in 2019 and whether he intervened in a 2024 police investigation into alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese businessman John Szetu at Mount Vunusa in Central Guadalcanal, where Gold Ridge Mining Ltd held a prospecting licence.
The inquiry will also consider allegations that Vaevaso unlawfully intervened in the destruction of illicit drugs and whether any of the incidents under investigation were disclosed during the recruitment and appointment process that led to his appointment as Commissioner of Police.
Former Governor-General Sir Frank Kabui has been appointed chairman of the tribunal, with James Apaniai and Felix Hollison serving as members.
The tribunal has been directed to report and recommend to the Governor-General within 30 days whether Vaevaso should be removed from office on grounds of misbehaviour. The period may be extended after consultation with the Prime Minister if additional time is required to complete the inquiry.
The Attorney General is expected to appoint a lead prosecution counsel to formulate and serve formal charges on Vaevaso, who will be entitled to engage legal representation during the proceedings.
In the meantime, Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu has suspended Vaevaso under Section 129(6) of the Constitution to allow what the Gazette describes as a “free and fair investigation” until the tribunal submits its report and recommendations.
Vaevaso was appointed Commissioner of Police on 24 April 2026 after serving as Deputy Commissioner for National Security and Operation Support…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Fiji reaffirms U.S partnership as America marks 250 years of independence
SUVA, 02 JULY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The Fiji Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States of America (U.S) as the two countries marked the 250th anniversary of American independence at a celebration in Suva.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade permanent secretary Dr Rajieli Taga said the United States had played a significant role in shaping the modern world through its leadership, innovation, resilience and the contributions of its people over the past 250 years.
She said American achievements in scientific discovery, technological advancement, education, entrepreneurship and humanitarian assistance had left a lasting impact on communities across the Pacific and around the world.
“As we join the United States in celebrating this important occasion, the Government of Fiji proudly reaffirms its commitment to continue working with the United States to deepen our partnership for the benefit of both our people and the wider Pacific region,” Taga said.
United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires ad interim John Degory used the occasion to reflect on democracy and the enduring relationship between the two nations.
“Today’s message is one of encouragement and support, as Fiji writes the next chapter in your own democracy,” Degory said.
“We do not pretend the path is simple.
“We do not suggest that our path should be yours, although we do offer lessons from the mistakes we have made.
“Every democracy is shaped by its own history, its own culture, its own unique fractures and strengths. What I believe, and what tonight’s celebration affirms, is that the effort is worth making.”
The celebration brought together Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and invited guests to commemorate the historic milestone.
Guests were treated to an evening showcasing American culture, with the venue decorated in the red, white and blue colours of the U.S flag.
The programme featured American-inspired cuisine, music and interactive activities celebrating the country’s heritage, innovation and diversity, creating a festive atmosphere while highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between Fiji and the United States.
The event also underscored the growing partnership between the two countries across areas including development, education, climate resilience, regional security and economic co-operation in the Pacific…. PACNEWS
PALAU – HEALTH: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Whooping cough case confirmed in Palau; Health officials urge vaccinations, vigilance
KOROR, 02 JULY 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Health officials have confirmed a case of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, in Palau, prompting an investigation and renewed calls for residents to check their vaccination status.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services announced the case involves a 54-year-old man who had completed childhood vaccinations and had not traveled recently. Officials said an epidemiological investigation is underway, along with contact tracing efforts to identify the source of exposure and anyone who may have been in close contact with the patient.
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. It can begin with symptoms resembling a common cold — a runny nose, mild fever and cough — before progressing to severe coughing fits that may trigger vomiting, make breathing difficult or produce a high-pitched “whooping” sound when the patient gasps for air.
The illness can be especially dangerous for infants, pregnant individuals and people with underlying health conditions, health officials said. Babies younger than 6 months old face the highest risk because they are too young to be fully vaccinated.
Pertussis typically develops in three stages.
In the first stage, symptoms closely mimic those of a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, a mild cough, and a low-grade fever. At this stage, the disease is most contagious, often before most people realise something is seriously wrong.
In the second stage, coughing worsens significantly. Violent, rapid-fire coughing fits can leave a person gasping for breath, vomiting or making the signature whooping sound as air is drawn back into the lungs. These fits can be exhausting and frightening, particularly in young children.
During recovery stage, the coughing gradually eases, but symptoms can flare up again if the person develops another respiratory illness.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against whooping cough. The MHHS urged the public to stay current on vaccinations, practice good respiratory hygiene, wash hands frequently and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms. People with a persistent or worsening cough, particularly coughing fits, were advised to seek medical care early.
MHHS said the illness can be especially serious for infants, pregnant individuals and people with underlying health conditions.
“Early evaluation and treatment can help reduce symptoms and limit further spread in the community,” the ministry said…. PACNEWS
NZ – WEATHER WATCH: NIWA PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
El Niño declared, expected to intensify into one of the strongest on record
AUCKLAND 02 JULY 2026 (NIWA) — Earth Sciences New Zealand has confirmed El Niño conditions have been reached in the tropical Pacific and are expected to strongly influence New Zealand’s weather into 2027.
El Niño is a global phenomenon, originating with the warming of ocean temperatures in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific.
Historically this has resulted in a New Zealand spring dominated by westerly quarter winds (southwest to northwest), typically bringing drier than usual conditions for eastern and northern areas of both islands and wetter than usual conditions for the western and lower South Island.
“Observations of sea surface temperatures in the east-central tropical Pacific show the hallmarks of a historically strong event, which is also echoed by the modelling,” says Chris Brandolino, Earth Sciences New Zealand Chief Scientist Weather and Seasonal Forecasting.
A sea surface temperature (SST) difference from average, known as an ‘anomaly’, of 1.5°C is a marker of a ‘strong’ El Niño; if the anomaly reaches at least 2.0°C that’s considered very strong, sometimes termed a ‘super’ El Niño.
The top five strongest El Niño events (1972, 1982, 1991, 1997, 2015) all had SST anomalies near or slightly above 2.5°C. The SST anomaly recorded for this event has already exceeded 1.0°C and will continue to increase.
“At the very least we’re expecting this event to rival the intensity of these historical top five events, but it has considerable potential to exceed them all,” said Chris Brandolino, Chief Scientist Weather and Seasonal Forecasting
Earth Sciences New Zealand and MetService meteorologist Jon Tunster says it is important to recognise that New Zealand’s weather is influenced by many factors.
These include the Indian Ocean Dipole (shifting ocean temperatures in the Indian Ocean), regional SSTs, occasional influences from Antarctica, and climate change.
“There’s more to it than El Niño, or even Super El Niño, but this El Niño event is shaping up to have a major influence, potentially from September onwards.”
“As we’ve seen with the previous El Niño events, the overwhelming majority of long-range models are favouring drier than usual conditions for northern and eastern areas of New Zealand, while western regions—especially of the South Island—are likely to see increased rainfall,” said Tunster…. PACNEWS
PNG – WEATHER WATCH: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Thu 02 Jul 2026
El-Nino’s health effects noted
PORT MORESBY, 02 JULY 2206 (THE NATIONAL) — The six major health effects of El-Niño are dehydration, heat-related illness, diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, skin infections and respiratory illness, according to a Papua New Guinea doctor.
Pacific International Hospital medical director Dr Aamir Siddiqui said while the severity of El-Niño ’s impact differed by regions, the health risks were nationwide and predictable, and early prevention was important.
According to Siddiqui, El-Niño could increase the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, skin infections, and respiratory problems due to hotter temperatures, water shortages, food insecurity, and poor air quality.
Dehydration occurs due to limited access to water and lack of awareness about staying hydrated.
Heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke, caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Diarrheal diseases result from unsafe or contained water sources.
Due to food shortages, malnutrition will prevail among young children and people living in remote communities.
Skin infections may come about because of poor hygiene and limited water for washing.
Respiratory illnesses arise from increased exposure to dust and bushfire smoke during dry conditions.
Siddiqui said most complications were preventable through early action, safer water practices, rest during peak heat, and early recognition of danger signs.
Simple household measures to take to keep safe during the heat wave include:
*Drinking clean water regularly, even if not thirsty;
*Storing and protecting household water in covered containers;
* Avoiding heavy physical work during peak heat (10am-3pm);
*Resting in the shade or well-ventilated areas;
*Maintaining hygiene using available clean water or safe alternatives;
*Protecting food from contamination and flies;
*Supporting vulnerable families with water and food sharing; and,
*Monitoring children and elderly closely during dry periods.
Siddiqui said timely response at the household and community level could significantly reduce illness and save lives…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – FOREST PROJECT: FAO PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
GCF approves $52.5 million for restoring Fiji’s forest landscape to support food security and livelihoods
ROME/DUSHANBE, 02 JULY 2026 (FAO) — The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a total of $52.5 million for a cross-cutting project to be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), together with the Government of Fiji and partners, to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience across landscapes and communities in Fiji while supporting low-carbon development pathways.
The financing is divided into a US$29.3 million GCF grant and US$23.2 million in co-financing.
The project will help restore degraded landscapes, protect coastal ecosystems and improve forest and agricultural land management. Key partners include Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited, Fiji Pine Limited, Fiji Development Bank and local communities.
The seven-year Forest Landscape Restoration for Climate Benefits and Resilience (Fiji FLR) project will reach 196,877 beneficiaries (half of whom are women), while a further 149,715 people will benefit indirectly.
The project will reduce the climate vulnerability of rural communities that depend on farming, livestock production, forestry or fisheries for their livelihoods.
Fiji FLR was approved during the 45th meeting of the GCF Board in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
“This landmark investment from the GCF will help Fiji build a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood system, safeguard food security and ensure a better future for its people. This funding marks a milestone for climate action in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and responds directly to the urgent needs of vulnerable rural communities to improve their livelihoods,” stated FAO Director-General QU Dongyu.
Michael Sivendra, Permanent Secretary, Environment and Climate Change, Government of the Republic of Fiji, said: “Fiji welcomes this partnership with the Green Climate Fund and FAO, which will support our national efforts to restore forest landscapes, enhance community resilience and underscore the urgent need for scaled-up, accessible climate finance to match the realities we face.”
Fiji is an island nation of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, where forests, agricultural lands, rivers and coastal ecosystems form an interconnected ridge-to-reef system. Tropical forests cover 60 percent of the land and provide critical habitat for unique biodiversity, while preventing soil erosion and protecting vital coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves from harmful run-off.
However, environmental degradation and climate change are posing a growing threat to people’s livelihoods and resources.
Unsustainable land use, logging and mangrove clearing have led to soil erosion, forest degradation and flooding. At the same time, stronger cyclones, heavier rainfall, rising sea levels, longer dry spells and more frequent wildfires are intensifying these pressures.
To address these interconnected challenges, FAO, alongside the Government of Fiji and partners, will implement a ridge-to-reef approach that links forest restoration upstream with the protection of coastal ecosystems downstream.
The approach will safeguard biodiversity, reduce environmental degradation and reinforce the natural systems that sustain livelihoods, food production and economic development.
More than 80,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land are set to be restored and placed under improved management, while more than 90,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems will be protected. These actions will help mitigate climate change by removing 6 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent from the atmosphere.
Community-led restoration activities include planting mixed forests on more than 5,700 hectares, restoring 5,000 hectares of riverbanks and waterways and supporting natural regeneration across 5,000 hectares of degraded forest. An additional 12,000 hectares of forest will be protected through agreements with customary landowners.
To strengthen food security, agroforestry systems will integrate fruit and nut trees. These systems will improve soil health, enhance moisture retention, diversify production and help to maintain yields during dry periods while creating new income opportunities for households.
The project will ensure long-term benefits by supporting communities and companies to meet certification standards and access higher-value markets for timber and non-timber forest products.
National financial institutions, including the Fiji Development Bank (a GCF Direct Access Entity), will also partner with the project to strengthen sustainable financing for forestry and agroforestry investments to support sustainable land-use practices.
Overall, the Fiji FLR project supports Fiji’s national climate strategies by increasing carbon removals, strengthening adaptation and reducing climate risks in vulnerable areas, while also aligning with the Green Climate Fund’s focus on resilience and country ownership.
Beyond Fiji, the project offers a replicable model for other Small Island Developing States by combining policy reform, community-based planning and sustainable finance, which can be adapted to address shared challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and climate risk.
Fiji FLR is part of FAO’s US$2 billion portfolio of GCF projects, serving more than 60 million people across 99 countries…. PACNEWS
PALAU – FISHERIES: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Palau expands sustainable giant clam farming through community hatchery and trainings
KOROR, 02 JULY 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Community leaders, aquaculture practitioners, government representatives and conservation partners have gathered to celebrate a major milestone for sustainable aquaculture in Palau with the opening of the country’s first community-managed satellite giant clam hatchery.
Funded by the New Zealand Government through the Manaaki Fund and implemented by Conservation International Palau, Palau Aquaculture Alliance, Watson and Sons Aquaculture Palau, the initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience and support the potential for sustainable community-based aquaculture initiatives that improve food security, create livelihood opportunities and help rehabilitate marine ecosystems.
“The goal of the new satellite hatchery is to increase access local farmer access to high-quality giant clam seedlings, helping communities expand sustainable aquaculture while reducing pressure on wild giant clam populations,” said Tarita Holm, Conservation International’s Technical Director.
The hatchery opening followed a national learning exchange and training programme on giant clam aquaculture last month, to equip community members with the technical skills needed to build sustainable businesses.
Palau is home to eight of the world’s twelve giant clam species.
These animals filter seawater, support coral reef health and provide a traditional source of food for communities. However, overharvesting, habitat degradation and climate change have contributed to declining populations across Palau and the wider Pacific.
The project aims to help Palau reverse this trend by supporting hatchery-based production, providing community trainings, and are assessing market opportunities for women gleaners, to switch from wild harvest to instead engage in sustainable giant clam farming.
Holm said, “This is about empowering communities to lead the restoration of giant clam populations while creating new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. For generations, giant clams have been more than a source of food for Palau, they have been a source of resilience. Traditionally giant clams have provided a reliable source of protein when there’s bad weather and men could not go fishing. Today, as climate change increases the frequency and severity of the impact of bad weather, restoring giant clam populations can help us strengthen both food security and community resilience.”
At the hatchery, a locally commissioned mural was unveiled, to educate visitors to the hatchery about giant clam farming, while highlighting the deep cultural significance of giant clams in Palauan society and their important role in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems.
The project aligns with Palau’s vision for a sustainable blue economy and contributes to the goals of the Palau Blue Prosperity Plan, which seeks to balance conservation, economic opportunity and community wellbeing across the nation’s ocean resources.
For Bernice Ngirkelau and Latii Shmull, leaders of the Palau Aquaculture Alliance, the launch represents years of work to strengthen support for giant clam farmers and create pathways for future growth.
“Palau has a proud history of giant clam aquaculture, but many farmers have faced challenges accessing seedlings, training and markets,” said Ngirkelau.
“This new satellite hatchery and training programme are helping create the support system farmers need to succeed and ensuring knowledge can be shared between communities for generations to come.”
Shmull added, “We are especially excited to see more women participating in aquaculture and developing skills that can support their families while helping protect Palau’s marine resources.”
Dr Staci Lewis, who led the Value Chain Analysis of Palau’s Giant Clam Sector and presented this at the exchange said “Giant clam aquaculture is one of Palau’s most promising opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods, support communities and culture, and advance its conservation goals all at the same time.
Lewis added, “The expansion of clam farming would create a triple benefit. This could improve livelihoods, increase supply to the domestic market, and by moving gleaners away from wild clam populations, this could reduce pressure on wild populations, supporting reef rehabilitation—not just here in Palau, but across the Pacific—and this creates incentives for stewardship.”
Tom Watson of Watson and Sons Aquaculture Palau, an implementing partner of the project and member of the PAA, whose family has been involved in giant clam farming for three generations said, “We’re trying to build an industry in Palau. The science is there, the knowledge to raise the animals is there. Now it’s a matter of scaling this up together, said Watson…. PACNEWS
FIJI – PALM WORKERS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Fiji Govt warns PALM workers: Absconding risks opportunities for others
SUVA, 02 JULY 2206 (FIJI SUN) — The Government has warned Fijian workers engaged in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme against absconding, saying it could threaten future employment opportunities for thousands of Fijians.
Around 400 Fijian workers have disengaged from the PALM Scheme, according to the permanent secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani.
Nemani said while the majority of Fijian workers overseas continued to perform well, a small number leaving approved employment without authorisation was creating challenges for the programme.
He said workers under the PALM Scheme represented not only themselves but also Fiji’s reputation internationally.
“Every worker selected under the PALM Scheme carries not only their own future, but the reputation of Fiji and the opportunities available to thousands of other Fijians seeking overseas employment,” Nemani said.
“When you travel under the PALM Scheme, you become an ambassador for Fiji. You are expected to conduct yourself with integrity, professionalism and respect, while complying with all Australian laws, your visa conditions and the terms of your employment.”
Nemani said some workers voluntarily left employment without following the required processes, while others had genuine workplace concerns requiring intervention.
He said the Ministry had worked with Australian authorities and employers to support workers who were treated unfairly, resulting in more than 200 workers being successfully re-engaged.
“Where workers have been treated unfairly, we have worked with our Australian counterparts to ensure they receive a fair outcome. However, workers who commit serious offences or serious breaches of the programme cannot be re-engaged.”
Nemani said labour mobility depended on trust between governments, employers and workers.
“While most PALM workers continue to represent Fiji with distinction, the actions of a small number who choose to abscond can undermine years of trust built between Fiji, Australia and participating employers,” Nemani said.
He warned that when workers abscond, receiving countries may introduce stricter compliance measures, increasing scrutiny for future applicants.
“When workers abscond, receiving countries are naturally forced to strengthen compliance measures, increase scrutiny and introduce more stringent requirements. Ultimately, this makes it harder for future Fijian workers to access these life-changing opportunities.”
He encouraged workers facing workplace difficulties to seek help from Fiji’s Community Liaison Officers or relevant Australian authorities rather than leaving employment.
The PALM Scheme continues to provide employment, skills development and income opportunities for thousands of Fijian families.
“The PALM Scheme is built on trust. Every worker who fulfils their obligations strengthens Fiji’s reputation and helps create opportunities for others. Every worker who absconds risks closing doors for future generations,” he said…. PACNEWS
AUST – FOOD SHORTAGE: AAP PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 02 Jul 2026
Warning ‘dire combination’ poses regional food crunch
CANBERRA, 02 JULY 2026 (AAP) — Choked fertiliser supply chains teamed with an El Nino event could trigger food shortages and instability in the Indo-Pacific region, former national security leaders are warning.
The Australian Security Leaders Climate Group say there’s a plausible case for regional food shortages emerging over the next 12 months.
“This dire combination of a strong El Nino and the fertiliser crisis will have a significant impact on food production, and may lead to shortages, higher prices, panic buying and perhaps social unrest and conflict in the Indo-Pacific,” said retired colonel Neil Greet, a former Australian Army officer.
The alliance fears Australia is not well-prepared for compounding climate and geopolitical risks threatening its neighbours and security partners, nor exacerbated cost-of-living pressures at home.
Australia’s climate is driven by more than just the El Nino-Southern Oscillation patterns that cycles in the Pacific Ocean periodically, though the recently confirmed El Nino event has historically brought less rain and warmer temperatures to the southeast.
The cyclical warming in the east Pacific Ocean is also associated with weaker monsoon rains in India, drought in Brazil and Colombia, more rain in southern parts of the United States, and coral loss in parts of the world, potentially weighing on fish stocks.
El Nino is also occurring on a background of higher global temperatures caused by rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The war on Iran further complicates the outlook, the former defence chiefs say, with roughly a third of the raw materials used for global fertiliser production needing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Higher fuel and fertiliser costs had been weighing on agriculture margins globally, prompting many farmers to scale back plantings including in Australia, RaboResearch Australia and New Zealand general manager Stefan Vogel said.
He was not expecting a sharp global reduction in staple foods due to the Middle East conflict, however.
Market creativity to keep fertiliser supply chains moving, as well as price increases favouring the planting schedules of countries north of the equator, had helped soften the blow, Vogel told AAP.
An El Nino was associated with drier conditions in Southeast Asia but the agricultural analyst said its influence on cropping was hard to predict given warm and dry weather can aid some phases of the growing cycle.
However, Vogel said India – a big producer of wheat, rice and pulses – was already experiencing a delayed monsoon, and lower crop yields were possible without a recovery in rainfall conditions.
The report from former security leaders recommended Australia bolster regional food security programs and improve climate threat intelligence.
The group have been critical of the federal government’s failure to release a declassified version of an Office of National Intelligence assessment of the climate security risks.
The UK has released a similar redacted intelligence report warning declining global ecosystems could push more people into poverty and food insecurity, potentially fuelling higher migration rates, political polarisation and economic insecurity…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
How Asia and the Pacific Can Get Ready for the Next Pandemic
By Scott Morris Vice-President for East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific, ADB
MANILA, 02 JULY 2026 (ADB) — The region learned hard lessons from COVID‑19. By investing in strong health systems, regional cooperation, and fast crisis funding, countries can be better prepared for the next pandemic.
More than six years after the COVID-19 outbreak, many countries across Asia and the Pacific continue to deal with the lasting health, economic, and social effects of the crisis. Health systems face shortages of skilled workers and disrupted services, while governments grapple with higher debt and long-term financial pressures.
Recent economic instability, reduced development aid, and competing spending priorities are putting even more strain on public health budgets.
Against this backdrop, there is the growing risk that the region could be hit by a new pandemic and be no better prepared than it was for COVID-19. And future outbreaks could be just as devastating as COVID-19, especially in a region where many people still struggle to access basic health services.
The pandemic also offered hard-won lessons about what works and what does not—from facilitating vaccine rollouts to strengthening health systems and supporting more effective emergency responses. Working with governments, researchers, and other partners, three themes kept coming up: the need to connect health and finance decisions, the value of regional cooperation, and the importance of fast and reliable funding in a crisis. Together, these lessons point to a more practical way forward for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response across Asia and the Pacific.
First, pandemic preparedness should be built into everyday health policy and budgets, not treated as separate or one-off exercises. Development partners, especially multilateral development banks, also need to make sure that their different types of support—loans, grants, and technical advice—directly strengthen shared health protection, such as health security and pandemic preparedness and response.
Health and finance ministries share an interest in investing in strong health systems and moving toward universal health coverage, because both are central to protecting people and the economy when a crisis hits. Weak health systems falter under pressure. Strong systems can maintain essential services, detect outbreaks earlier, and adapt more quickly when needs surge.
Second, regional approaches are becoming indispensable as these increasingly complex health threats cross borders faster than ever. Building trust, sharing data, and improving cooperation on medical and health regulation and manufacturing can help countries respond more quickly and secure fairer access to vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools. During COVID-19, fragmented procurement, regulatory delays, and limited manufacturing capacity limited vaccine access for many countries.
Facilities such as the Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX) helped support the delivery of more than 675 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, showing how multilateral financing and partnerships can speed up access when countries face urgent need. Looking ahead, regional approaches that improve coordination and share information can help reduce such gaps in future.
Finally, money remains critical. Delays in financing cost lives and deepen economic damage. Funding for health emergency needs to be predictable, flexible, and well aligned with the systems of individual countries. Countries need access to “day‑zero” funds—resources that can be released as soon as a crisis emerges—to buy supplies, pay emergency staff, and keep services running. Those funds must be managed well, with clear rules and strong oversight. New approaches to involve the private sector can help free up additional resources to enable health systems to cope with a sudden surge in demand. Over time, the goal should be to move from one-off, reactive support to steady investments that are built into national budgets and regional frameworks.
With these lessons in mind, pandemic preparedness and response should sit alongside other priorities in the region’s resilience agenda. Asia and the Pacific face more frequent and interconnected shocks, from trade disruptions to natural disasters and energy crises. Countries across the region cannot afford to move from one emergency to the next without building stronger, more resilient systems in between. Investing in better preparation for future health emergencies will help build more secure, fairer, and more prosperous societies across the region…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
The Nakamal Agreement is not quite the deal Australia wanted
By Carl Janz
CANBERRA, 02 JULY 2026 (THE STRATEGIST) — -The long-awaited Australia-Vanuatu Nakamal Agreement (Nakamal) gives Canberra something useful, but it doesn’t appear to be the deal Australia was initially seeking. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and ni-Vanuatu Prime minister Jotham Napat signed the security pact on Monday, 10 months after Vanuatu’s government withdrew from signing the deal due to concerns around sovereignty.
The since-renegotiated pact seeks to confirm Australia as Vanuatu’s primary defence and security partner amid China’s intense efforts to supplant Australia’s long-held role in the region. It is the latest in a line of similar deals Australia has pursued with other Pacific states, including Nauru, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
It’s likely that the initial version of Nakamal, like some of Australia’s other Pacific agreements, sought to give Australia a functional veto over third-party investment in security-related infrastructure. However, the precise details of this initial version were never made public.
What we do know is that Albanese travelled to Port Vila to sign the deal last year and returned empty-handed. Napat said his government’s reluctance to sign was due to last-minute concerns regarding the ‘wording’ of the clause referencing third-party investment in critical infrastructure. Napat said that the clause could limit Vanuatu’s engagement with international partners, leading to fears that the deal would require Vanuatu to surrender sovereignty to Australia. The abrupt interruption in what many thought was a finished process was peculiar.
The Australian government has said it is in a state of ‘permanent contest’ with China in the Pacific, which helps explain Vanuatu’s last-minute hesitancy. While Australia and Vanuatu deliberated, China undertook a spending spree in Vanuatu, notably committing AUD$86 million (US$59 million) in upgrades to government buildings – China’s biggest single money transfer to Vanuatu. This came amid a litany of other financial commitments, including the provision of policing equipment. While Australia was negotiating the pact, China’s own Namele Agreement with Vanuatu came to light. While details remain scarce, the treaty seems nominally aimed at development and strategic cooperation. One Australian official, however, told local press in Vanuatu that there were fears the deal would contain security elements. This allegation led to a rebuke from Napat.
In another twist, earlier this month, Australia removed Vanuatu from the list of countries eligible for the Pacific Engagement Visa, a coveted permanent residence scheme. Given that increased migratory pathways for its citizens were a major Vanuatuan negotiating goal, this development just weeks before the signing of a troubled security deal suggests there were further hiccups behind the scenes.
After a turbulent 10 months, Albanese and Napat signed a seemingly watered-down version of Nakamal. In place of the veto provisions expected in last year’s deal, Vanuatu agreed to consult Australia on third-party security deals involving critical infrastructure investment without a commitment to action. The deal nominally recognises Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and requires Vanuatu to prioritise Pacific Island Forum members when making policing requests.
However, this doesn’t prevent Vanuatu from cooperating with Chinese state police forces. Chinese police forces have grown increasingly active in recent years, providing training, equipment and a rotational contingent, which changed over just days before Nakamal was signed. Agreements with Nauru and Tuvalu gave Australia veto rights on those countries’ security arrangements with third parties, including on policing. It’s unreasonable to expect essentially the same deal with each partner state. But Canberra’s willingness to make undesirable concessions such as the looser policing commitments in Nakamal, particularly after a period of heightened Chinese efforts, exemplify the level of competition that Australia is facing in the region.
There are also clear wins from Nakamal. Vanuatu has agreed not to allow foreign military basing in its territory, realising a long-held Australian ambition. It further agreed to ‘differentiate citizenship by investment from other forms of citizenship’. Vanuatu’s citizenship by investment program essentially allows foreign nationals to purchase citizenship and by extension, obtain a Vanuatu passport. The program has long presented a security challenge for partner countries, as it may facilitate the entry of bad actors on Vanuatu passports.
The agreement also opens formalised mechanisms for deeper cooperation on security issues including cyber, infrastructure, and intelligence, and streamlines Australia’s own trans-national policing efforts. While these commitments will help Australia remain a competitive partner, Nakamal commits only to intent where other Pacific deals commit to action. Even so, Nakamal was sufficient to garner a rebuke from China – a telltale sign that the agreement is on the right track.
Though some details are still unknown, it’s likely that the agreement signed on Monday is not the deal Australia thought it was just hours away from signing last September. However, Nakamal shows that Canberra can still shore up important commitments in the Pacific and deploy its middle-power capabilities against great-power attempts to undermine Australian interests. Strategic competition is alive and well in the Pacific, and Australia has again shown its mettle where it counts…. PACNEWS
