Politics

The folly of Australian policy towards Fiji is at the centre of a damning new landmark report that suggests the United States has lost confidence in Canberra's ability to influence events in the Pacific and counter rising Chinese influence in the region. It calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of regional sanctions against Fiji and for … [Read more...] about #49 AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL FOLLY

There's something deeply disturbing about the way in which the left faction of the Australian Labor Party has accepted the shameful five-to-one people swap that the Government has struck with Malaysia. Never mind the one sided nature of the deal, which sees Australia ostensibly rid itself of 800 "illegal" refugees who paid people smugglers to come … [Read more...] about #37 PEOPLE TRADERS OF THE LEFT

Julia Gillard is finished as Australian prime minister, according to senior Labor Party figures who've turned their attention to identifying her successor. The smart money is on Bill Shorten, the former trade union leader who is Assistant Treasurer in Gillard's government. The only evident impediment to toppling Gillard is the threat from the … [Read more...] about #35 ODDS SHORTEN ON SHORTEN

Fiji's tourism industry - a vital pillar of the local economy - could be set for a battering as Fiji-bound flights are targeted by Australian trade unionists acting in support of their Fijian counterparts. Members of the Transport Workers Union are threatening to disrupt flights to Nadi operated by Air Pacific and Jetstar - the two carriers … [Read more...] about #34 THE POLITICS OF SABOTAGE

Australia and New Zealand have a long history of misjudging events in Fiji and are adding to their litany of mistakes with their tacit support for the overthrow of the Bainimarama regime. Neither country - at leadership level - will acknowledge that this has now become official policy. Yet there are clear indications that Canberra and Wellington … [Read more...] about #31 THUMBS UP FOR SOME COUP MAKERS

The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries is a cornerstone of international law yet that principle is being flagrantly breached by Samoa in its dealings with Fiji. In a remarkable development, the Samoan Government has publicly endorsed a campaign spearheaded by the renegade Fijian military officer, Ratu Tevita … [Read more...] about #30 SAMOANS PLAYING WITH FIRE