Stories by Margot Staunton
News
'Complete waste of time': Bainimarama on Rabuka's plan to reveal coup secrets
The former Fijian prime minister says Sitiveni Rabuka's idea to come clean about past coups was pointless.
Decision imminent on former women's minister following leaked explicit video
The People's Alliance Party will decide this week whether to expel Lynda Tabuya, who remains a member of parliament.
Tonga PM unveils new Cabinet
Eleven Cabinet ministers were selected instead of 12, with four of them elected by the Prime Minister under the provisions of the Constitution.
Vanuatu: public frustrated over political situation as after-shocks continue
Frustration is growing in Vanuatu over the snap election, with claims the government has put politics before people. Audio
Tonga's king expected to appoint PM and new cabinet line-up
King Tupou VI is expected to officially appoint Tonga's Prime Minister 'Aisake Eke on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, a month after he was elected. Audio
Australia still says it's not responsible for detainees, after UN decisions declare otherwise
The Australian Home Affairs Department said it has been the government's consistent position that Australia does not exercise effective control over regional processing centres.
Fiji PM's major cabinet reshuffle is costly attempt to rebrand - Ratuva
An expert on Fiji politics claims the prime minister's costly cabinet reshuffle is a power grab, and attempt to rebrand himself. Audio
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor reinstated
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor Christopher Pryde has been cleared of alleged "misbehaviour".
Tonga's interim govt to remain in place until a new Cabinet is announced
Tonga's interim government is expected to remain in place until a new Cabinet is announced in several weeks.
Tonga's new PM won't be in power long enough to achieve much, claims political expert
Tonga's new Prime Minister won't be in power long enough to achieve much and is likely to be ousted by his predecessor at the 2025 general election, claims a political expert. Audio
Suspended Fiji chief prosecutor demands release of findings
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor is demanding the President release the findings of an investigation into his alleged "misbehaviour".
Explicit video of Fiji Minister leaked to PM
A video of a former cabinet minister in Fiji dancing naked was hacked by someone in government close to the Prime Minister, claims a veteran political activist.
Fiji police describe leaked explicit video of MP an intrusion of privacy
Fiji police are investigating who leaked an explicit video of former cabinet minister Lynda Tabuya.
Whooping cough: Samoa waits for more test results from New Zealand
Suspected and confirmed cases of whooping cough have reached 127 in Samoa.
Australia slammed over new refugee measure
The Australian government has introduced new measures for refugees in Papua New Guinea that detractors have labelled a "death sentence". Audio
Fiji's suspended prosecutor claims govt offered secret payout to resign
New Zealander Christopher Pryde, 59, says he rejected the NZ$150,000 and refused to attend a hearing into the matter last week, claiming he was financially unable to defend himself.
Nauru-Australia Treaty: Strategic gain or 'corrupt arrangement'?
Refugee advocates and academics are weighing in on Australia's latest move on the Pacific geopolitical chessboard.
Fijian Justice Minister calls on suspended Kiwi prosecutor to defend himself at hearing
New Zealander Christopher Pryde was suspended by in April 2023 for alleged "misbehaviour" and is refusing to appear before a Tribunal today, unless his salary is restored.
Suspended DPP claims Fiji govt removing foreigners from public service
Fiji's suspended chief prosecutor claims the government wants to get rid of all foreigners working in prominent positions in the public service.
Fiji coup hostage concerned about mercy release of George Speight
"What has been done for the victims of the coup, who have been waiting 24 years for justice?"
Young couple could face life in jail after allegedly killing unborn child
Police in Isabel province are investigating the alleged abortion and subsequent burial of the foetus, which occurred in one of the villages recently.
'No one gets arrested': Impunity emboldening warlords in PNG
The police and military in Papua New Guinea are struggling to cope with chronic tribal "revenge killings" among "local terrorists" with high powered weapons in Enga Province. Audio
'Govt is really working' to fix poverty, the main driver of Fiji's drug crisis - minister
Home Affairs Minister Pio TIkoduadua denies claims the country is a drug haven and is optimistic the government can turn things around. Audio
Tonga's outer islands to continue facing internet issues
Nearly a third of Tonga's population still has no internet and is unlikely to have access until mid-August.
Talks could soon resume between New Caledonia's opposing parties
Four New Caledonian MPs met with the French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday, calling for political dialogue to resume urgently.