Oceania
100 articles from 4 countries
Oceania grapples with escalating tensions and natural threats as fears of conflict ground flights in New Zealand and Tropical Storm Sinlaku strengthens near the CNMI. Meanwhile, a tragic assault case in Australia highlights the devastating consequences of violence, underscoring the region's complex challenges.
๐ต๐ฌ Papua New GuineaPapua New Guinea Launches National Health Financing Reform Pilot Study in Gulf Province
- A national health financing reform study has begun in Papua New Guinea's Gulf Province. - The pilot study aims to reshape how Provincial Health Authorities are financed. - It is expected to strengthโฆ
Kokopau Community Rallies Against Violence: Robust Awareness Initiative Transforms Local Wards
- Kokopau community leaders in Selau Constituency concluded an advocacy initiative to combat social injustices. - The initiative focused on Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV), Gender-Based Vioโฆ
Consistency in Selection Ahead of Blackhawks Clash
- Hunters coach Paul Aiton can finally name an unchanged lineup for consecutive weeks. - This consistency is a significant boost for the struggling team. - The team has faced a severe injury crisis thโฆ
Ward governance training aims to empower ward leadership in remote New Ireland communities
- Ward governance training is being conducted in remote New Ireland communities to empower local leadership. - Village and Ward Development Committees have struggled with inactivity and ineffectivenesโฆ
Look to the Villages and Churches: Pascoe urges PNG to nominate quiet achievers
- Following her withdrawal from the Westpac Outstanding Women Awards, Pascoe Events founder has challenged Papua New Guineans. - The challenge is to shift focus towards recognizing the country's unherโฆ
Oro Governor seeks clarification on TSSP contracts, Kokoda Highway
- Oro Province Governor Gary Juffa has requested clarification from the Works and Highways Minister regarding the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP). - Juffa also sought an update on the progressโฆ
Health Minister's private ambulance ties questioned ahead of St John Ambulance Bill
- Member for Abau, Sir Puka Temu, has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding new ambulance legislation. - Sir Puka highlighted that the newly appointed Health Minister, Dr. Biโฆ
Fly River MP urges government to fast-track border facilities as river dries up
- Fly River MP James Donald is urging the government to expedite the establishment of border facilities at the PNG-Indonesia border. - His electorate is currently cut off due to low river levels, whicโฆ
Port Moresby International airport launches premium taxi service
- Port Moresby International Airport has launched a new premium taxi service. - The service was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. - The launch was attended by the outgoing Minister forโฆ
Marape assures districts of full DSIP funding amid El Niรฑo concerns
- Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape has assured districts that they will receive full funding for the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP). - This assurance comes amid concerns abโฆ
Cricket PNG hosts ICC training to build certified coach tutor trainers
- Cricket PNG is hosting an ICC Level One Coach Tutor Training event from July 14-16, 2026. - The training aims to develop Certified Coach Tutor Trainers in Papua New Guinea. - This initiative is a keโฆ
Reform UK Proposes 24/7 Protection for All MPs
- Reform UK proposes providing round-the-clock security for all Members of Parliament (MPs) if the party wins the next general election. - The proposal follows the death of former Conservative ministeโฆ
Argentina stars hold Falklands banner after World Cup win over England
- Argentinian players displayed a banner proclaiming "The Falklands are Argentine" after their World Cup victory over England. - The banner, held by players Lisandro Martรญnez and Giovani Lo Celso, mayโฆ
Tuchel's tactics blamed as England crashes out of World Cup
- England's World Cup campaign ended in a semifinal loss to Argentina, with questions arising about manager Thomas Tuchel's tactical decisions. - Lionel Messi was instrumental in Argentina's victory, โฆ
Messi's Magic Lifts Argentina Past England into World Cup Final
- Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to a 2-1 comeback victory over England in the World Cup semifinal. - Messi provided two assists, including the one for the winning goal in stoppage time. - Argentina โฆ
Emergency Alerts Could Compromise 'Safe Phones' for Women at Risk of Domestic Violence
- A new nationwide emergency alert system, AusAlert, could endanger women experiencing domestic violence in remote areas. - The system's critical alert level can override privacy settings, potentiallyโฆ
Ancestral remains begin long journey home after 143 years at museum
- Ancestral remains from Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, are returning home after 143 years at the Australian Museum. - The remains were taken during a European naval expedition in 1882 and purโฆ
Six Months On, Perth Invasion Day Rally Attack's Scars and Racist Motives Remain Evident
- Six months after an alleged "mass-casualty event" at a Perth rally, the impact of racism, hate, and violence towards Aboriginal people remains deeply felt. - Liam Alexander Hall, 32, faces charges fโฆ
Former employees of charity speak out about $150k in unpaid super
- Former employees of the charity PAWS Darwin allege the organization failed to pay over $150,000 in superannuation contributions. - Staff members discovered the non-payment through superannuation funโฆ
Canadian wildfires trap train drivers, choke Toronto with smoke
- Wildfires in western Ontario have forced evacuations, closed roads, and trapped two train operators who described being surrounded by flames. - The Canadian National Railway Company confirmed the trโฆ
Norwegian rider Soeren Waerenskjold wins fastest-ever Tour de France stage
- Norwegian rider Soeren Waerenskjold won the fastest-ever Tour de France stage. - Tadej Pogaฤar maintained his overall lead in the race. - Waerenskjold expressed surprise at his victory, calling it hโฆ
Researchers develop laser technology to test drinks for methanol
- Researchers have developed a laser-based technology capable of detecting methanol in sealed drink bottles without opening them. - The technique uses shaped lasers to avoid signals from the glass andโฆ
Woman says disclosure scheme could have prevented intimate partner abuse
- A woman identified as Sarah shared her experience of intimate partner abuse, stating a disclosure scheme could have prevented her suffering. - She described a pattern of "love bombing" followed by eโฆ
AFP boss to face court over $1m deportation of accused gangster
- Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett will be questioned in the NSW Supreme Court regarding the deportation of an accused gangster. - Masood Zakaria claims his deportation from Turkeโฆ
Victim of Violent Robbery Calls Attackers 'Pure Evil' After Home Burned Down
- Grant Whelan, 76, described his attackers as "pure evil" after being tied up, assaulted, and robbed in his Coles Bay home. - The assailants set his house on fire and forced him to watch it burn downโฆ
NDIS 'failing' some of the very people it was set up to protect
- The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is failing to provide adequate care for some participants, compromising their safety and well-being. - A 31-year-old woman with an intellectual disabiโฆ
Electoral boundary shakeup leaves politicians with a big decision
- Electoral boundary changes in Tasmania have displaced 114,000 residents. - Several notable politicians are among those affected by the redraw. - These politicians face a difficult choice between remโฆ
University leader says her sector is 'most prominent' for rising antisemitism
- Western Sydney University's chancellor calls universities the most prominent sites of rising antisemitism. - Professor Jennifer Westacott criticized university leaders for hiding behind free speech โฆ
Businesses claw back $110b in Trump's unlawful tariffs
- Businesses are reclaiming billions of dollars in tariffs unlawfully imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, with $80 billion already refunded since May. - The refunds, including interest, steโฆ
Regulator, Telstra brace for grilling over emergency service outage
- Australia's communications regulator, ACMA, is preparing to face questions from a Senate inquiry regarding a widespread Telstra outage that disrupted emergency services. - Months before the July 8 oโฆ
Gender quotas revived in Liberals' soul-searching mission
- The Liberal Party in Australia is undergoing a "soul-searching mission" to modernize and regain voter support after recent election losses. - A discussion paper urges the party's aging membership toโฆ
Artists seek 'seat at table' in AI office
- Australian artists are seeking representation in the new government office for artificial intelligence to influence its development. - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged that creators will retaโฆ
Australian GP clinic network hit by major cyber breach, patient records stolen
- A network of 57 GP practices and skin cancer clinics in Australia has suffered a major cyber breach. - Personal and sensitive medical records were accessed and stolen by attackers. - The affected neโฆ
Eight charged after Mackay shooting incidents
- Police in Mackay, Australia, have arrested eight people in connection with two property shooting incidents that occurred earlier this month. - Charges include unlawful weapon trafficking, firearm poโฆ
Meta sued by employees claiming AI used to target layoffs
- Meta faces a lawsuit from 26 US employees alleging the company used AI systems to select workers for layoffs. - The lawsuit claims these AI systems disproportionately targeted employees on medical, โฆ
Broncos' Losing Streak Makes Finals Hopes Virtually Impossible
- The Brisbane Broncos' losing streak has severely damaged their chances of reaching the finals. - The team needs 13 wins to have a theoretical chance, a target they failed to meet in 2022 and may notโฆ
Queensland Deputy Premier pushes for powers to seize land for private projects
- Queensland's Deputy Premier proposes new laws allowing the government to forcibly acquire land for private sector projects, overriding existing environmental and other regulations. - The proposed chโฆ
US House passes bill to make daylight saving time permanent
- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. - If enacted, the law would eliminate the need for states to adjust clocks twice annually. - The bill now moveโฆ
Children forced to use toilets in front of others in police watch house, tribunal told
- Conditions for children in Queensland police watch houses remain unchanged and inadequate, a youth advocate stated. - A tribunal found three teenage boys experienced human rights breaches, includingโฆ
Tasmania's Electoral Map Redrawn, Over 100,000 Voters Shift Electorates
- Over 114,000 Tasmanians will vote in new electoral boundaries following a redistribution announced by the Australian Electoral Commission. - The Glenorchy City Council area will move from the Hobartโฆ
Labor Loss in WA By-election Would Be 'Win for Liberals,' Says Party Leader
- Western Australia's Liberal leader Basil Zempilas stated that any Labor loss in the Secret Harbour by-election would be a 'win for the Liberals'. - Zempilas acknowledged the potential threat from Onโฆ
The sledge that helped lighten Diamonds camp after brutal grand final
- Melbourne Vixens captain Kate Moloney is preparing for the Commonwealth Games with the Australian Diamonds netball team shortly after a devastating grand final loss. - Moloney and several teammates โฆ
University of Melbourne defends management of antisemitism on campus
- The University of Melbourne is defending its handling of antisemitism on campus, particularly concerning pro-Palestinian protests. - Vice-Chancellor Glyn Davis testified that the university chose noโฆ
Parklands chop won't stop despite petition triggering parliamentary inquiry
- Construction for a golf course redevelopment and MotoGP event will proceed despite a petition. - The petition garnered 13,500 signatures, triggering a parliamentary inquiry. - The Acting Premier staโฆ
Man denied assisted dying wins partial victory in early test of ACT law
- A man seeking voluntary assisted dying in Australia's ACT has been denied eligibility for the scheme, despite a tribunal finding he has decision-making capacity. - The case is one of the first to chโฆ
Boy, 5, dies after being hit by 4WD in suburban Perth
- A five-year-old boy died after being struck by a four-wheel drive vehicle in Perth, Australia. - The incident occurred on Belgravia Street in Cloverdale when the vehicle hit two pedestrians. - A 48-โฆ
Melbourne home shot at for second time in a week as police probe linked drive-by shootings
- Police are investigating two separate drive-by shootings in Melbourne's north-west. - A home in Kealba was targeted for the second time in six days, with another property in Gladstone Park also shotโฆ
Major International Scam Operation Uncovered in Timor-Leste
- Timor-Leste police have arrested 314 individuals, mostly Chinese and Indonesian nationals, in raids targeting international scam operations. - The raids occurred at three heavily secured call centerโฆ
Comm Games 'might look a little different' for swim star after broken back
- Australian swimming star Mollie O'Callaghan revealed she competed at the Commonwealth Games despite stress fractures in her back and a shoulder injury. - She was initially told she could not competeโฆ
Empty nesters on how they 'fill the void' left by children
- Parents can experience grief when their children leave home, a phenomenon known as empty nest syndrome. - Experts suggest this grief stems from the significant role parents play in their children's โฆ
Death of man experiencing homelessness in rural town prompts call for help
- The death of a homeless man in Millicent, South Australia, has spurred calls for increased support for the region's homeless population. - The 63-year-old man was found unresponsive under a vacant bโฆ
Moira Deeming makes last-ditch plea to Liberal Party to retain candidacy
- Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming is making a final appeal to her party to keep her candidacy for the state election. - Deeming refuses to apologize to colleague Matthew Guy, whom she accused of asโฆ
Kangaroo Shot With Arrow While Carrying Joey; Police Investigate
- A kangaroo with a joey in its pouch was found shot with an arrow in its back at Lake Wallace, near Lithgow, New South Wales. - Wildlife rescuers attempted to capture and treat the animal but were foโฆ
US deploys explosive drone boats in combat against Iran for first time
- The US military has for the first time used uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) as a strike weapon against Iran, employing one-way drone boats loaded with explosives. - These drone boats, capable of traโฆ
Queensland schools 'overwhelmingly safe' despite two student stabbings, minister says
- Queensland's police minister stated schools are overwhelmingly safe despite two recent stabbings involving students. - The minister ruled out placing more police officers in schools, emphasizing exiโฆ
Buyer drops nearly $72m on one of world's most complete T-rex skeletons
- A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, nicknamed "Gus," sold for a record $US50.1 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York. - The skeleton, discovered in South Dakota in 2021, is one of the most complete Tโฆ
Flight disruptions at Adelaide Airport due to heavy fog
- Flights in and out of Adelaide Airport faced disruptions on Wednesday morning due to heavy fog. - Several flights were delayed on the tarmac or circled overhead, with three diverted to Melbourne. - โฆ
New political parties are trying to harvest Victorians' votes
- New political parties in Victoria are leveraging an outdated electoral system to gain influence. - These parties aim to collect voter preferences and direct them strategically. - The system allows tโฆ
Melbourne council bans e-bikes after six-year trial
- Yarra Council in Melbourne will ban shared e-bikes after a six-year trial, citing operator Lime's refusal to take responsibility for dumped bikes. - The council received about 100 complaints regardiโฆ
Jarome Luai to Leave Wests Tigers for Parramatta Eels; PNG Chiefs Merchandise Surfaces
- Rugby league player Jarome Luai will leave the Wests Tigers to join the Parramatta Eels for the 2027 NRL season. - The Tigers have mutually agreed to release Luai from the final year of his contractโฆ
Pacific news in brief
- Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape will personally oversee the Correctional Services following two recent prison escapes, including one where three inmates were shot dead. - Fiji's Policโฆ
Twin typhoons leave an unexpected silver lining as Saipan beaches are rebuilt | RNZ Pacific (NZ) | 01KXM5DMABGE2CEFGJ1X0SPYN1
- Two Category 5 typhoons devastated the Northern Mariana Islands, but also created an opportunity to restore eroded beaches using dredged sand. - The Department of Public Works will resume a beach noโฆ
Over 1,000 students caught cheating in NCEA exams as AI misuse rises
- Over 1,000 students were caught breaching NCEA assessment rules in the past year, with artificial intelligence being the most common method of cheating. - This rise in academic dishonesty occurs amiโฆ
Badminton returns to CNMI after typhoon devastation
- International badminton tournaments are underway in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) three months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused devastation. - Over 200 players and officiโฆ
Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter to relocate for 2026 Rugby League World Cup prep
- Fiji Bati head coach Mick Potter is set to move to Fiji within weeks to lead preparations for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. - Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) chairman Rajesh Singh confirmed Potโฆ
Lake Alice survivor forced to live in public carpark after benefit wrongly cancelled
- A survivor of the Lake Alice abuse scandal is now homeless, living in a public carpark after his benefit was wrongly cancelled. - He won an appeal against the cancellation, but officials have not coโฆ
Word Christchurch Festival 2026 Lineup Released: Booker Prize Winner and Kiwi Music Legends Join 'Vibrant' Programme
- The Word Christchurch Festival has announced its 2026 lineup, featuring a diverse range of literary and cultural figures. - The program includes international stars, a Booker Prize winner, and promiโฆ
Vanuatu to take decades-long dispute with France over islands to international court
- Vanuatu is taking its long-standing territorial dispute with France over the Matthew and Hunter Islands to international arbitrators. - The uninhabited islands have been under French control since bโฆ
MSAF clarifies seafarer shortage claim
- The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) states the country trains enough seafarers for its domestic industry. - Companies face challenges recruiting experienced senior officers, not a general sโฆ
Restore โFiji Islanderโ to end cultural dispossession
- The Province of Lau is calling for public consultation on the definition of the term โFijianโ. - They argue that the term should not be exclusively reserved for the indigenous iTaukei people withoutโฆ
$4B drug threat demands stronger national response: Naivalurua
- Fiji's Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua stated that over $4 billion worth of illicit drugs have circulated in the country in the past three years. - Naivalurua emphasized thโฆ
$85 cane price not enough, says Pillay
- Opposition MP Viam Pillay argues the 2026-2027 National Budget fails sugarcane farmers, stating the $85 per tonne cane price is insufficient. - Pillay acknowledged the government's fuel subsidy but โฆ
Fiji budget focuses on long-term future, minister defends choices
- Fiji's Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, defended the 2026/2027 National Budget as responsible and realistic. - Nalumisa stated the budget prioritizes Fiji's long-term futurโฆ
AG office faces growing legal demand
- Fiji's Attorney-General's Office is managing over 1,300 active litigation files with a team of 25 lawyers. - Justice Minister Siromi Turaga stated the office received an increased budget of $9.8 milโฆ
Jobs-first approach urged to tackle labour challenges
- Fiji's economic development strategy must prioritize creating quality jobs and retaining skilled workers. - The nation faces ongoing challenges with labor shortages and the migration of skilled profโฆ
Vacant Posts Delay Fiji Rights Cases, Commission Warns
- The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission faces delays in processing human rights cases. - Two key vacant positions, Chairperson and Proceedings Commissioner, are hindering progress. โฆ
Kikau welcomes Potterโs return
- Rugby league star Viliame Kikau welcomes Mick Potter's return as Fiji coach. - Potter previously coached Fiji to a World Cup quarterfinal win against New Zealand in 2017. - Fiji is in Pool A of the โฆ
Fiji expands school support for students facing substance abuse
- Fiji's government is expanding school counseling services and training teachers to address substance abuse among young people. - The Substance Abuse Advisory Council received over $680,000 in fundinโฆ
SPBD support helps women grow businesses and incomes
- Women entrepreneurs in the Pacific are transforming small businesses into sustainable income sources with support from the South Pacific Business Development (SPBD). - Access to small-business loansโฆ
Detention of 95-Year-Old Religious Leader Violates International Law, European Scholars Argue
- European scholars of religion are calling for the release of 95-year-old Shincheonji Church Chairman Lee Man-hee, who is currently detained in South Korea. - Lee was detained on charges including viโฆ
Minister rejects cabinet cuts as budget solution
- Fiji's Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel stated that cutting ministers' salaries and cabinet size would not solve the nation's financial problems. - Immanuel defended the 2026-2027 National Budget in โฆ
Fiji's government says sugar dependence must end | FBC News (FJ) | 01KXJ44XCPXTB89GYMTVYKFN6E
- Fiji's government aims to reduce its long-standing reliance on sugar exports. - Lands and Mineral Resources Minister Filimoni Vosarogo stated that dependence on sugar, imports, and uncontrollable glโฆ
Scotland wary of travel demands ahead of Fiji clash
- Scotland faces a demanding travel schedule ahead of their Nations Championship match against Fiji. - Captain Sione Tuipulotu highlighted the fatigue from recent matches in Argentina and South Africaโฆ
Oil prices rise as Iran and US clash in Strait of Hormuz
- Oil prices increased as the U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and Iran retaliated with strikes. - Brent crude rose to its highest since June 12, and West Texas Intermediate reached itโฆ
England coach understands Argentinaโs dark blue-kit superstition
- England's coach, Thomas Tuchel, understands Argentina's superstition regarding their dark blue away kit. - Argentina will wear the dark blue jersey against England in the World Cup semi-final, a colโฆ
Australia plans AI office to regulate technology uptake
- Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to establish an AI office within his department to regulate the nation's artificial intelligence uptake. - The government aims to create a streamlinโฆ
Jurassic Parkโs Sam Neill had pneumonia prior to death
- Actor Sam Neill, known for "Jurassic Park," has died at age 78 in Sydney, Australia. - A former co-star reported that Neill had pneumonia before his death, following a battle with cancer. - Tributesโฆ
Naisewa to play 30th game as Fijian Drua Women host Super W semifinal
- Prop Karalaini Naisewa will play her 30th match for the Fijian Drua Women in their Super Rugby W semifinal against the Queensland Reds. - Naisewa is the most capped player and top try-scorer for theโฆ
TSLS scholarship rules under review
- Fiji's Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS) policy is under review, potentially affecting thousands of students relying on government scholarships. - Education Minister Aseri Radrodro annoโฆ
Fijiana set for Springbok challenge
- The Vodafone Fijiana XV will play two international Test matches against South Africa in August. - The series rekindles a rivalry that saw Fiji achieve a historic 21-17 victory over South Africa in โฆ
Military must respect civilian control: Tikoduadua
- Fiji's Defense Minister Pio Tikoduadua stressed the necessity of maintaining civilian control over the military. - He stated that military intervention in politics weakens democratic institutions anโฆ
Teacher jobs not automatic
- Fiji's Education Minister Aseri Radrodro clarified that teacher registration does not guarantee government employment. - Teacher recruitment must align with school needs, available positions, and woโฆ
Labour shortage due to decline in technical education: Singh
- Fiji faces a labor shortage primarily due to a decline in technical and vocational education, not overseas labor mobility schemes, according to Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh. - Singh stated thaโฆ
Domestic Violence Cases Nearly Double in Fiji, Legal Aid Commission Reports
- Domestic violence protection order cases handled by Fiji's Legal Aid Commission have nearly doubled in the past year. - Justice Minister Siromi Turaga highlighted this trend in Parliament while suppโฆ
Beqa youths boost maritime safety skills with UN-backed training
- Over 100 youths in Beqa, Fiji, have completed specialized maritime safety training. - The training, part of the UN Development Programme's Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki Initiative, equips young peopleโฆ
Flying Fijians seek united response against Scotland
- The Fiji Water Flying Fijians are focused on improving their performance in their final Nations Championship match against Scotland. - Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula emphasized the need for unity anโฆ
Drua thrive on pressure ahead of blockbuster home semi-final
- The Fijian Drua Women's rugby team is preparing for a major Super Rugby Women's semi-final match against the Queensland Reds. - Head coach Mike Legge expressed pride in his team's ability to handle โฆ
One change to boxing program
- Kings Boxing Promotions has announced a change to one of the fights scheduled for next Saturday in Suva. - Ronesh Prasad has withdrawn from his bout against Junior Roshan, and a replacement is beingโฆ
Deschampsโ golden France era to end but legacy intact
- France's World Cup journey under coach Didier Deschamps concluded with a semi-final loss to Spain. - Despite recent setbacks, Deschamps leaves an indelible legacy, having led France to their second โฆ
Ex-Meta Employees Sue, Claiming AI Bias in Job Cuts Targeted Disabled Workers
- Twenty-six former Meta employees are suing the company, alleging AI-driven layoffs disproportionately targeted workers with disabilities or those on medical leave. - The lawsuit claims Meta's AI useโฆ