Pacific island links: PNG politics, wellbeing, aid budget, a new PM in Vanuatu and more
- Signs of restlessness in the PNG political landscape. A cabinet reshuffle appears imminent, with Ben Micah tipped to become the new deputy prime minister. Meanwhile, four members of the Triumph Heritage Empowerment Party have resigned in order to remain in government rather than move to the cross-benches with party leader and former treasurer Don Polye.
- Vanuatu has a new prime minister, veteran politician Joe Natuman, following a vote of no confidence in Moana Carcasses Kalosil. Natuman has promised a 'back to basics' government but has already had to deal with rumours of a brewing motion of no confidence.
- Also in Vanuatu, the Pacific Institute of Public Policy has created a smart infographic to show citizens how the government allocates the budget.
- The 30th Australia-PNG Business Council meeting opened in Cairns with a feature on women in business leadership. Speaking in Cairns, Peter O'Neill has welcomed the abolition of AusAID and Julie Bishop has advised that 50% of the (increased) aid budget for PNG will be directed towards infrastructure projects.
- Steve Pollard looks at economic and trade relationships between Asia and Pacific island countries.
- Despite significant cuts to the Australian aid budget overall, funding to the Pacific island region appears to have been protected, with some countries receiving an increased allocation (including PNG, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu). This article (which includes some informative graphics) gives more information about how aid to the region is distributed.
- Jamie Tanguay provides an introduction to work being done by Melanesian countries to develop alternative indicators of wellbeing, taking the discussion about development beyond GDP. The video below documents the pilot project in Vanuatu, and you can practice your Bislama at the same time (English subtitles included).