UPNG students gathered in their thousands to demand that the prime minister Peter O'Neill stand aside to face questioning over a fraud case. Photo: upng4png
Papua New Guinea - investigation
Papua New Guinea's Ombudsman Commission has completed an investigation into the police shooting of students at the University of PNG eight years ago.
Police had opened fire on students when they prepared to march on Parliament, leaving dozens hurt.
Among various issues, the students were calling for the then-prime minister, Peter O'Neill, to step down.
The investigation was held up partly by police claiming they could not obtain witness statements.
The Ombudsman's conclusions have gone to the Speaker, who was expected to present the full report to parliament within eight sitting days.
Fiji - teachers
The Fijian Teachers' Association general secretary says early childhood teachers are leaving Fiji for better paying teaching jobs.
The Fiji Times reported Paula Manumanunitoga saying a group of teachers came to him and said they have job offers from Australia, and after three years, they've been promised permanent residency.
He said last year, 100 qualified ECE teachers left Fiji.
"People leaving this country are paid $14,000 to $18,000 annually; when they go overseas, they will be receiving $60,000 to $90,000 in Australian dollars."
Tonga - court
A Tongan Member of Parliament has been granted conditional bail after he appeared in court on charges of forgery and fraud.
Tonga Police said Johnny Taione will re-appear in the Nuku'alofa Magistrates Court on 11 November.
Palau - drugs
Two Palau female law enforcement officers have been charged with conspiracy to import drugs into the country in the past week.
The Island Times reported the two included a police officer and her partner in crime, a state ranger.
Both have been charged with conspiracy to import methamphetamine into Palau.
In another case, two men were arrested with packets of meth and cash.
The duo face six charges, including trafficking controlled substances, possession of controlled substances, and bribery of police officers.
Fiji - cyber attack
The Australian government sent expert teams to Fiji this year to help the Pacific's top regional body after its networks were infiltrated by Chinese state-backed hackers.
The ABC reported the cyber attack on the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat, which is based in Suva, was first detected in February this year, although the hackers likely gained access well before that.
The cyber breach has been labelled as "extensive".
The ABC approached the PIF Secretariat and the Australian government for comment.
Solomon Islands - climate
Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People says Australia remains committed to addressing climate change in Solomon Islands.
The Solomon Star reported Justin Mohamed told attendees of a seminar in Honiara that over 80 percent of the Solomon Islands population lives in low-lying coastal areas and are vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased rainfall.
Ambassador Mohamed said meaningful engagement with the region is a must, given the cultural ties that bind the countries together.
He pointed out that despite contributing very little to climate change, Pacific indigenous people are among the most affected globally.
In a presentation in Honiara last week, Mohamed said they recognize Solomon Islands as one of the most vulnerable nations in the world and are dedicated to working closely with them.
