Photo : The Guardian

Julian Assange reunites with his family in Australia, reports BBC 

East Asia & Thre Pacific Reader | 27 June 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 118
Julian Assange reunites with his family in Australia, reports BBC 
On 27 June, BBC reported that Julian Assange had landed back in Australia after a plea deal that allowed him to walk free from a London prison. For the past 14 years, he has been in a legal battle with the US authorities who accused him of leaking classified documents that have put lives in danger. A press conference was held at the Canberra airport where his wife, Stella Assange, and his lawyers spoke for him. The plea deal saw Julian Assange plead guilty to one charge of conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information, rather than the 18 he was originally facing. His lawyer, Jen Robinson told the media that the deal was a criminalization of journalism and set a dangerous precedent. (Tiffany Wertheimer, “Julian Assange lands in Australia a free man,” BBC, 27 June 2024)

East Asia & Thre Pacific Reader | 26 June 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 117
New Zealand halts emergency Database Project for disaster management amid budget cuts
On 26 June, the New Zealand government discontinued a prototype emergency database coordination system which was developed by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) in 2021. This decision followed a budget review prompted by public sector cuts. Minister Chris Penk's office stated that this move: “does not affect the government's ability to better prepare for and respond to emergencies.” The project, which cost USD 50,000 over three years, aimed to demonstrate how users could access geospatial datasets online from a single point. However, it was never intended to progress beyond the demonstration phase without dedicated funding. The Mateparae inquiry into Cyclone Gabrielle's response had recommended building a system for sharing a common operating picture among emergency responders. Despite the project's discontinuation, the government maintains its commitment to emergency management with over USD 1 billion allocated in the Budget for cyclone relief, resilience, and emergency preparedness. (Phil Pennington, “Halting of emergency coordination system won't affect disaster response - minister,” RNZ, 26 June 2024)

East Asia & Thre Pacific Reader | 24 June 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 115
Chatham Islands critically low oil and fuel stock, reports RNZ
On 24 June, RNZ reported that the Chatham Islands are critically low on fuel. Locals are pleading for a long-term solution as the boat carrying limited supplies is due to arrive on 25 June. The island nation is left with diesel lasting only for a week while the petrol and LPG supplies ran out weeks ago. The Mayor of the Islands, Monique Croon said the situation is grim. She also added that the farmers have not been able to make any income as they have not been able to move the stock to sell. She stressed the for a quick solution to tackle this situation. (“Chatham Islands pleads for long term solution for fuel and stock movement,” RNZ, 24 June 2024)

East Asia & Thre Pacific Reader | 22 June 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 114
New Zealand’s Ministry of Education cuts jobs to increase government savings
On 22 June, the staff of the Ministry of Education were concerned about the unfair job loss process. The Employment Relations Authority heard that more than 700 roles were on the chopping block as a government directive to make savings. However, the Ministry has paused due to legal challenges from the Public Service Association about the way it is being handled. The Public Service Association set out its case to authorities in a hearing in Wellington. It said the job-cut process was in breach of the workers' collective agreement and the ministry had not done enough to meet its obligations on rehiring and retaining staff. (Bill Hickman, “Ministry of Education staff 'constantly in tears' during 'unfair' job loss process,” RNZ News, 2024)

East Asia & Thre Pacific Reader | 21 June 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 113
Papua New Guinea's 2024 Census faces delays and logistical challenges
On 21 June, Papua New Guinea's 2024 national census in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville was postponed by a week due to the late arrival of materials. The census which began on 17 June is scheduled to continue until the end of the month. Bougainville's provincial census coordinator, Michael Omepa stated: “Due to delays in the freighting of materials, the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will postpone its 2024 Census by one week.” The census is experiencing setbacks in training enumerators and distributing electronic tablets for data collection. Prime Minister James Marape emphasised the government's commitment to the census, stating: “We are conscious about the cost, whatever the cost is, in my view we must spend to get the quality data.” The budget has been reduced from PGK 300 million to PGK 157 million. RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent Scott Waide highlighted the unrealistic two-week deadline set by the government stating: “Two weeks for an urban centre is workable, [but] two weeks for rural centres in the provinces near impossible.” Waide also reported that many tablets, contracted from an Indian company, are still warehoused in Port Moresby, forcing some workers to use paper forms. (“Papua New Guinea population census marred by delays,” RNZ News, 21 June 2024)

Australia and Papua New Guinea sign security agreement
On 21 June, Ministers for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong (Australia) and Justin Tkatchenko (Papua New Guinea) co-chaired the 30th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. Australia announced new initiatives to strengthen PNG's security and justice systems. The measures, part of the Bilateral Security Agreement, include support for financial crime prosecution, improved access to justice in remote areas, and enhanced correctional facility security. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Minister Pat Conroy revealed additional support for stability in the PNG Highlands, featuring a new weapons management program and collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross. The initiatives also address non-traditional security concerns such as cybersecurity, biosecurity, and gender-based violence. These efforts will be funded from the USD 200 million commitment Australia made in December 2023 to support PNG's internal security priorities. The comprehensive approach demonstrates Australia's dedication to strengthening its relationship with PNG and addressing a wide range of security challenges in the region. (Delphine Herbert, “PNG-Australia: New initiatives announced under bilateral security agreement,” RNZ News, 21 June 2024)

“Community want to have the issue resolved,” states Green Party MP to restore Samoan Citizenship Rights
On 21 June, public submissions closed on the ‘Restoring Citizenship Removed By Citizenship Act Bill,’ which seeks to offer a pathway to New Zealand citizenship for Samoans born between 1924 and 1949. The bill, introduced by Green Party MP Teanau Tuiono, aims to rectify the 1982 Privy Council ruling overturned by the government, which initially recognised those born in Western Samoa as “natural-born British subjects” entitled to New Zealand citizenship in 1948. Tuiono emphasised the community's desire to resolve this long-standing issue. The Secretary of the Samoan Christian Fellowship, Reverend Aneterea Sa'u highlighted the bill's significance in “trust and fairness,” urging the Samoan community to advocate for it. New Zealand’s first leader Winston Peters confirmed his party's support. The Governance and Administration Committee received around 24,500 submissions and will hold hearings in Wellington and South Auckland between 24 June and 9 July. (“Samoa citizenship bill: Committee receives over 24,000 public submissions,” RNZ News, 21 June 2024)

“All the unrest, all the troubles, is the result of the ignorance of the French government,” states the New Caledonia government spokesperson 
On 21 June, tensions remained high between pro-independence groups and French authorities even one month after violent clashes erupted in New Caledonia.  A spokesperson for the New Caledonia government, Charles Wea highlighted the root cause of the unrest stating: “We cannot have peace without the independence of the country.” French Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, emphasised that violence must cease before options to resolve the conflict take place. She defended the deployment of over 3,000 security forces as necessary to restore order, rejecting claims of militarization. However, Pacific civil society groups, led by Reverend James Bhagwan, argued that France's response resembled militarization. Bhagwan expressed concern over the armed militias and increased security forces stating: “We have seen far too much already these last few weeks to be fooled.” According to Roger-Lacan, the death toll stood at eight, though some Kanaks feared it may be higher. Bhagwan pointed to “intergenerational trauma” among Kanaks as a factor in the ongoing tensions. Both sides agreed that force alone was not enough to resolve the crisis which Roger-Lacan also acknowledged by stating: “Of course, force is not the answer, but maintaining that it's sometimes necessary to restore public order.” (Lydia Lewis, “'We cannot have peace without independence' - New Caledonia government,” RNZ News, 21 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 20 June 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 112
Australia’s Peter Dutton’s Nuclear station proposal will lead to higher electricity costs, an opinion in The Guardian 
On 20 June, an opinion in The Guardian stated that Peter Dutton-led Coalition declared the construction of seven nuclear power stations across every mainland state if elected. However, this proposition will lead to only higher electricity costs for each household and a massive amount of money to build the nuclear power plants. This can be observed even during the 1970s and 1980s when France and the US encountered the greatest budget for the construction of the plants. The other factors are Australia’s need for a nuclear waste depository and the host city's Olympic Games infrastructure. The construction of new nuclear plants is not commonly preferred due to the poor experience from the 1970s and 80s and no improvement by the generation 3 designs on the budget blowouts. The estimated cost of electricity using nuclear power plants is USD 1000 per year, which is three times the amount an average household pays. (Tristan Edis, “Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan is an economic disaster that would leave Australians paying more for electricity,” The Guardian, 19 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 19 June 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 111
“Share a common desire for the development of China-Australia relations,” says Chinese Premiere to Australian Prime Minister 
On 18 June, Chinese Premiere Li Qiang attended a welcome banquet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepared by the Chinese community in Australia. Li stated that the Australian leaders and people share a common desire for the development of China-Australia relations from the various meetings and talks with the different Australian leaders over the years. He also stated that both states have a positive outlook on the development of bilateral ties, strategic partnerships and cooperation in fields of common interest. Li stated: “China's economy has continued to rebound and improve against the backdrop of sluggish global economic growth, with its new growth drivers gaining momentum.” He commented on the new opportunities for cooperation between the two states from the development of a prosperous, healthy and stable economy of China. Albanese expressed his gratitude in the banquet for the overseas Chinese in Australia contributing to multicultural prosperity. (“Chinese premier says stable China-Australia ties serve common interests of the two peoples,” CGTN, 18 June 2024)

Australian Border Force questions three Australians for their plans to join IDF, reports The Guardian
On 18 June, The Guardian reported that the Australian Border Force (ABF) intervened at the border and questioned three Australian citizens suspected of travelling to Israel to join the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The Australian government warned its citizens to serve in any foreign country’s military, to consider their legal obligations, and to avoid criminal offences. The current criminal code does not prohibit Australians from serving in foreign military, but it applies specifically to foreign incursion offences. The code provides the Australian federal police to investigate war crimes and other serious crimes committed overseas. The Department of Home Affairs said that the department and the ABF knew about their travel plans to Israel and had the right to question them during customs checks. Regarding the request for freedom of information, the DHA said that the ABF questioned three of four Australians travelling to Israel.  The president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni, mentioned the need for the government to warn its citizens of being caught in international crimes. (Daniel Hurst, “Australian Border Force questions three people suspected of travelling to join Israeli army,” The Guardian, 18 June 2024)

Australia secretly expelled four Indians for espionage activities in 2020, says ABC News report
On 18 June, according to a report by ABC News, Australia secretly expelled four Indian spies posing as diplomats for their spying activities in 2020. The report mentioned the spies targeting Australia’s defence technology, politicians, and airport security protocols. They also mentioned Australia’s intelligence chief, Mike Burgess, who had mentioned uncovering the spies without naming India. He said: “The spies developed targeted relationships with current and former politicians, a foreign embassy, and a state police service.” The report mentioned that the suspected spies were expelled quietly to avoid embarrassing the Narendra Modi-led government. The ABC report mentioned the growing political infiltration in Australia by Modi’s ruling party, the BJP, by leveraging the Indian diaspora and the Overseas Friends of BJP. (Maroosha Muzaffar, “Australia quietly expelled four Indian spies who targeted politicians and defence tech — report,” Independent, 18 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 17 June 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 109
Chinese Premier offers to send Pandas to Australia
On 16 June, China's Premier Li Qiang offered to send Australia two new pandas, replacing the existing pair, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, whom he referred to as “friendly messengers of China-Australia relations,” during his visit to Adelaide Zoo. This gesture comes as Li's four-day trip marks the first visit by a Chinese leader to Australia in seven years, signalling improving ties between the two nations. The practice of “panda diplomacy,” or sending pandas as diplomatic gifts, dates back to the Tang Dynasty, which ruled from 618 to 907 CE. It has long been an instrument of China's diplomatic efforts. Li stated that while Wang Wang and Fu Ni will return to China by the end of the year: “China will soon provide another pair of pandas that are equally beautiful, lively, cute and younger to the Adelaide Park [Zoo].” Li's visit is seen as crucial for addressing outstanding trade and consular issues between China and Australia. He emphasized that “mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences and mutually beneficial cooperation” are key to the relationship. However, despite the improving ties since Australia's Labour Party took power in 2022, differences remain, including the removal of remaining trade barriers and the release of imprisoned Australian democracy blogger Yang Hengjun. Yang's supporters released a statement saying Beijing's High Court had upheld his suspended death sentence on espionage charges on 16 June. They urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to use his meeting with Li to directly demand Yang's release on medical parole, stating: “Our most immediate concern is that Yang's medical conditions remain serious and unaddressed.” (Lipika Pelham, “Beijing offers pandas as ties with Australia thaw,” BBC, 17 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 15 June 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 108
Chinese Premier jets off on his visit to Australia
On 15 June, Premier Li Qiang visited Fonterra’s Headquarters in Auckland. After the Headquarters visit, he departed for his visit to Australia. He was shown Fonterra’s food service, ingredient products, milking systems, robotics, and genetic innovations. Miles Hurrell said the company had built strong relationships with its partners in China over the years.  The Greater China executive of the company appreciated the visit of the Chinese premier, and said: “It gave them a chance to talk about close business relations.” Fonterra continues to invest in innovation in China’s dairy sector with a sixth application centre opening in Wuhan. (Liu Chen, “Chinese Premier Li Qiang departs for Australia after Fonterra visit,” RNZ, 15 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 14 June 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 107
Pacific Paladin gathering affirms to ensure professional growth in the coming generations
On 10 June, the Pacific Paladin gathered Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from across the Pacific Air Forces to foster professional growth and development. The event was hosted by the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Chief Master Sgt Katie McCool between 10 June to 14 June. The seminar emphasised three speakers, Chief Master Sgt Liz Featherson spoke on “Money Matters,” providing information into financial processes and analysis, Chief Master Sgt Nicholas Walter Potts commented on Air Force’s global mission “Translating an Operational Necessity,’ and lastly, Chief Master Sgt Patrick Holmes concluded by speaking on balanced approach in life “Work/Life Harmony. Chief Master Sgt McCool stated in her opening speech: “Our goal is to ensure that our senior leaders are well-prepared to lead and mentor the next generation of Air Force personnel. Pacific Paladin is a cornerstone of that effort.” The seminar was also a success having 185 virtual attendees ensuring widespread participation across all the PACAF wings while the event also had 85 in-person attendees. (Master Sgt. Eric Flores, “Pacific Paladin Returns with Renewed Focus,” Pacific Air Forces, 13 June 2024)

Tribes relocate amid PNG landslide rescue mission
On 14 June, landslides in Yambali village in Enga province led the tribals to relocate in accordance with the tribal conflicts. The region’s provincial administrator Sandis Tsaka informed to have found two pieces of land for the relocation of displaced people. Tsaka stated: “Those lands, while owned by villagers in the area, it's been vacant, so talking to the communities for the government to acquire in the longer term, they've been very receptive and supportive to make the land available to the government.” A total of four villages have faced the risk of the landslide and Tsaka comments that according to geotechnical experts, there is another landslide imminent in the region. He states: “The four villages [are] estimated to have a population of around 10,000-plus, and we may be evacuating a quarter or a third - we will know the details once people living in those high-risk areas are properly mapped out.” The search and recovery of bodies stopped on 7 June and many people have been buried, displaced, killed under the rubble and To present, only 12 bodies have been recovered. The landslide has resulted in the blockade of a critical road to the Porgera Valley, where a major goldmine is located and is considered the biggest form of economic activity in the province. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been helping with the rebuilding of the communities. However, they have been requesting donors for millions more for further support and development. Papua New Guinea Country Resident Nicholas Booth commented: “So all of those initiatives are all focussed very much on the affected communities, looking at what's ahead for them for the next year or so, and also working on social cohesion, access to services and things like that.” (“Work continues to relocate PNG villagers after devastating landslide,” RNZ News, 14 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 13 June 2024, Thursday | Vol.1 No. 106
US Coast Guard completes a two-week operation in the Pacific Ocean, reports US Department of Homeland Security
On 12 June, the US Coast Guard completed Tui Moana, a two-week operation to safeguard the invaluable marine resources of the Pacific Island-nations and the Western Central Pacific Ocean. This was part of Operation Blue Pacific, an overarching multi-mission Coast Guard endeavour to promote security, sovereignty, and economic prosperity and strengthen relationships between partner nations in the region. The operation was conducted alongside the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence coordinating group. Horiuchi, an official at the US Embassy in Samoa said: “Operation Tui Moana reflects the Foreign Fishery Agency’s mission to prevent overfishing in the Pacific Ocean and help our neighbours protect their natural resources.” (“U.S. Coast Guard completes Operation Tui Moana in Pacific region,” Department of Homeland Security, 12 June 2024)

French territories in the Pacific prepare for re-elections, reports RNZ
On 13 July, after the announcement of snap elections by French President Emanuel Macron, French Pacific entities also started their preparations for the election. Most of the incumbent MPs for the French Pacific have announced that they will run again. In New Caledonia, pro-France MPs- Phillipe Dunoyer and Nicolas Metzdorf affiliated with the party of Macron have decided to run again even though the local campaign would be difficult. In French Polynesia, three seats at the National Assembly were taken by the members of the pro-independence Tavini Huiraatira. The Tavini has held several meetings behind closed doors to fine-tune its strategy and designate its three fielded candidates. (Patrick Decloitre, “French Pacific prepares for snap elections with mixed expectations,” RNZ, 13 June 13, 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 12 June 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 105
“All hui, no action,” says Tama Potaka on Ihumātao’s disputed land, reports RNZ 
On 10 June, the steering committee of Ihumātao had a meeting with the coalition government to decide the future of the disputed land purchased by the Labour Government from the Fletcher building for USD 29.9 million in 2020 along with its development plan. Minister of Māori Development Tama Potaka stated his meeting with the steering committee as: “good robust kōrero with a focus on determining the future.” The steering committee was created of two Crown representatives, one from KÄ«ngitanga, and three from ahi kā groups, one each for Te Ahiwaru, Te Kawerau ā Maki and Te Ä€kitai Waiohua. However, previous Māori Development Minister Willie Jackson disagreed with Tama Potaka on the need and action of the steering committee whereas Potaka supported the committee’s involvement in this matter. The government bought the land to develop social housing by building more than 400 houses on a land of archaeological and historic importance to Māori. The land has been full of disputes since 1863 and local iwi were forced off the land for 150 years. Protests started against the development along with the formation of Save Our Unique Landscape (SOUL) in 2016. Later, in 2019 a consensus was reached with the Labour Government and KÄ«ngitanga intervening to make a deal with Fletcher Building to use some of the land for development and housing. (Sam Smith, “Future of disputed land at Ihumātao still undecided as government meets with the committee,” RNZ, 10 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 11 June 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 104
“Turn down the Heat,” says the Australian Prime Minister on US consulate vandalism 
On 10 June, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his concern over the vandalisation of the US Consulate in Sydney by Palestinain activists. He encouraged people to have a “respectful political debate and discourse” in the light of the event. Albanese stated: “People are traumatized by what is going on in the Middle East, particularly those with relatives in either Israel or in the Palestinian Occupied Territories.” A police statement reported a surveillance video showing a person with a dark hoodie smashing nine holes in the reinforced glass window using a small sledgehammer after 3 am in North Sydney. Symbols of Palestinian resistance and supporters of Hamas were also found painted on the front of the consulate building. The consulate stated that it would reopen on 11 June after the public holiday in New South Wales on 10 June. (“Australian leader tells activists to ‘turn the heat down’ after US Consulate vandalized over Gaza,” Associated Press, 10 June 2024)

Challenges of the Pacific Engagement Visa, an opinion in ABCNews 
On 07 June, an opinion in ABCNews reported that the Australian government expects the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) to be granted in the fourth quarter of 2024. The op-ed noted that experts expressed the need for proper management of the migrants as they adjust. The PEV will be granted by the ballots and the first round closes on 02 August, where the results will reflect the ten countries’ level of interest.  ANU researcher Natasha Turia stated: “We might end up getting quite a broad range of people with different skill sets, applying for the PEV.” However, PICSA chief executive Tukini Tauvi expresses concerns about securing housing in Australia’s competitive housing market. According to Griffith University’s Kristie Petrou, the visa’s restriction on age from 18 to 45 could impact elderly care arrangements for families in the Pacific Islands. Loss of skilled workers in the Pacific Islands also remains a concern in the long run which however according to Dr. Petrou can be prevented with the use of random ballots. (Doug Dingwall, Dubravka Voloder,  Lice Movono and Marian Kupu, “The Pacific Engagement Visa is set to grow the region's diaspora in Australia — but experts warn of challenges ahead,” ABCNews, 07 June 2024)

Indonesia’s “downstream policies” for nickel plummet Australia’s nickel price
On 11 June, an opinion in the East Asia Forum stated that the Australian miners claim their markets were flooded by Indonesian nickel, in turn affecting their industry and prices. The presence of Indonesian nickel globally can be attributed to lowering prices through its “downstream policies.” Indonesia is aiming to enter the international battery supply chains with its downstream policy. China’s need for nickel due to industrial giants like Tsingshan makes it supportive of Indonesia’s aim in the market. The Australian miners are pushing for an Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) price premium which would differentiate between the higher quality Australian nickel and the lower quality Indonesian nickel. However, the aggressive downstreaming of Indonesia has led to the production of higher-quality nickel which has thrown the Australian mining companies into jeopardy. (James Guild, “Australia gets nickel-and-dimed by Indonesian downstreaming,” East Asia Forum, 11 June 2024)

Australian PM attacks the Opposition leader over climate change issues
On 10 June, the Australian Prime Minister accused the opposition Leader Peter Dutton of being worse than the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison on climate change. This attack came after Dutton declared that he would reverse Australia’s legally binding climate change target to cut emissions by 43 percent from the 2003 level by 2030. The Opposition’s nuclear energy plans would force Australia to fall massively short of the nation’s emissions target rather than generate more than 2 billion tonnes of extra greenhouse gases by 2050. This would break Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. The Ministry of Climate Change and Energy released projections showing Australia’s emissions were 42 per cent below the 2005 level, falling just one per cent short of the target. (Bianca Hall and Olivia Ireland, “‘Worse than Scott Morrison’: PM attacks Dutton over revival of climate wars”, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 June 2024)

New Zealand government to reverse the Minerals Act 
On 09 June, the New Zealand government planned to reverse its ban on offshore petroleum exploration. This comes as a proposed amendment to the Mineral Act. Resource Minister Shane Jones said: “The reversal of the ban is targeted at resolving energy security challenges posed by the rapidly declining natural gas reserves.” The bill will be tabled on the floor of the parliament later this year, and it aims to revamp the energy sector. The government has also introduced the Fast-track Approval Bill, which is seen as an incentive for renewable energy investments. The bill allows energy projects to obtain various environmental and planning permits in one process. The bill also seeks to change how petroleum exploration permits are allocated. (“New Zealand to Reverse its 2018 Offshore Oil Exploration Ban”, The Maritime Executive, 10 June 2024)

Heavy rains cause floods in Sydney
On 08 June, heavy rains brought flash floods to Sydney. Rescue operations and evacuations were ordered in several low-lying suburbs. Emergency authorities said: “13 rescues and received 297 calls for assistance from residents in Sydney due to flood and heavy rains.” 10 emergency evacuations have been ordered in the suburbs in the city’s northwest region. The nation’s weather forecast has warned that major flooding could occur in the city’s northwest region. Sydney’s Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley is a major flood-prone area as 05 tributaries feed it and have chokepoints limiting flows to the sea. The latest emergency comes after over 150 people were rescued from floodwaters in eastern Australia in April 2024. (“Heavy rains in Australia’s east spark flash flooding, rescues”, Reuters, 08 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacifc Reader | 10 June 2024, Monday | Vol.1 No. 103
Australian PM attacks the Opposition leader over climate change issues
On 10 June, the Australian Prime Minister accused the opposition Leader Peter Dutton of being worse than the former Prime Minister Scott Morrison on climate change. This attack came after Dutton declared that he would reverse Australia’s legally binding climate change target to cut emissions by 43 percent from the 2003 level by 2030. The Opposition’s nuclear energy plans would force Australia to fall massively short of the nation’s emissions target rather than generate more than 2 billion tonnes of extra greenhouse gases by 2050. This would break Australia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. The Ministry of Climate Change and Energy released projections showing Australia’s emissions were 42 per cent below the 2005 level, falling just one per cent short of the target. (Bianca Hall and Olivia Ireland, “‘Worse than Scott Morrison’: PM attacks Dutton over revival of climate wars”, The Sydney Morning Herald, 10 June 2024)

New Zealand government to reverse the Minerals Act 
On 09 June, the New Zealand government planned to reverse its ban on offshore petroleum exploration. This comes as a proposed amendment to the Mineral Act. Resource Minister Shane Jones said: “The reversal of the ban is targeted at resolving energy security challenges posed by the rapidly declining natural gas reserves.” The bill will be tabled on the floor of the parliament later this year, and it aims to revamp the energy sector. The government has also introduced the Fast-track Approval Bill, which is seen as an incentive for renewable energy investments. The bill allows energy projects to obtain various environmental and planning permits in one process. The bill also seeks to change how petroleum exploration permits are allocated. (“New Zealand to Reverse its 2018 Offshore Oil Exploration Ban”, The Maritime Executive, 10 June 2024)

Heavy rains cause floods in Sydney
On 08 June, heavy rains brought flash floods to Sydney. Rescue operations and evacuations were ordered in several low-lying suburbs. Emergency authorities said: “13 rescues and received 297 calls for assistance from residents in Sydney due to flood and heavy rains.” 10 emergency evacuations have been ordered in the suburbs in the city’s northwest region. The nation’s weather forecast has warned that major flooding could occur in the city’s northwest region. Sydney’s Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley is a major flood-prone area as 05 tributaries feed it and have chokepoints limiting flows to the sea. The latest emergency comes after over 150 people were rescued from floodwaters in eastern Australia in April 2024. (“Heavy rains in Australia’s east spark flash flooding, rescues”, Reuters, 08 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 08 June 2024, Saturday | Vol.1 No. 102
New Caledonia people feel abandoned, reports RNZ
On 07 June, the RNZ reported people of New Caledonia feel abandoned as the French media refuses to discuss the situation in the country after riots. According to the High Commissioner of New Caledonia, the last month's riots in the country are now being overshadowed by the EU elections which are supposed to happen on Sunday and the France Olympics. A local journalist, Carolie Cochin added that “the French government has also tried to overshadow the subject. The local people who lost their homes in the riots are now blaming the French Government.” She also added that nearly 6000 people have lost their jobs already. (Caleb Fotheringham, “EU elections, Olympics overshadow New Caledonia crisis”, RNZ, 07 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 07 June 2024, Friday | Vol.1 No. 101
New Zealand criticizes the new immigration laws introduced by the Australian government
On 07 June, the Albanese government introduced a new deportation bill to ensure the safety of the Australian community. The new rule will be known as “Direction 110” and will replace the previous “Direction 99.” Giles, the Immigration Minister said: “The new direction would instruct administrative review judges to prioritize the protection of the Australian community and common sense when making decisions. The new direction will make it crystal clear that the Australian government expects community protection to be given greater weight when it comes to visa decisions.” The new direction would come into effect from 20 June 2024. People from New Zealand have reacted to this new direction as a betrayal of New Zealand. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: “we regret the decision Australia made.” (Matthew Knott, “NZ upset by Giles decision to replace ‘direction 99’ rule on deporting criminals,” Sydney Morning Herald, 07 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 05 June 2024, Wednesday | Vol.1 No. 99
New Zealand aims to attract international companies to establish its aerospace facility
On 04 June, New Zealand is now inviting aerospace companies from around the world to set up at the new Tawhaki National Aerospace Center on the Kaitorete spit, a 25km long and 3km wide coastal area. Ms. Judith Collins, the first Space Minister said: “You can’t underestimate our location in the world and how that is an enormous advantage.” Launches over the water minimize the risk of falling debris, and a latitude in the South hemisphere makes the placing of satellites in orbit easier. Till now the government has invested NZD 29.4 million. This space centre is a part of the ambitious plan of the government to turn the dormant space sector into a key contributor to the otherwise agriculture-dependent economy. NZ has signed several agreements to ease international collaboration. Ms Collins met the NASA and US Space Command officials in April to promote NZ. A local government is also growing a satellite monitoring facility in the southernmost part for its clients which also include the European Space Agency. (“New Zealand’s nascent space industry aims for the stars,” The Straits Times, 04 June 2024)

Australia to fulfil the troop shortage by recruiting permanent residents
On 05 June, the Australian government announced that to meet the shortage of personnel in the Army, it would allow permanent residents to join the army. The federal government has announced: “Foreigners who receive security clearances and have been living in the country for at least 12 months will be able to enlist.” For the initial round, the scheme will only be limited to the people of New Zealand, the US, the UK, and Canada as they are also the intelligence allies of the country. The federal budget released on 14 May revealed that the military is expected to expand by 358 people in 2024 to 58,600. The government is targeting to increase the troop numbers to 80,000 by 2040. Defence analysts have welcomed the move to include foreign nationals as Australia has long struggled to persuade its citizens to enlist. The new scheme will come into effect from July with New Zealanders being able to join in the first round. Entries of citizens from other countries will be opened from January 2025. The scheme is also expected to be extended to other Pacific countries in 2025. (Jonathan Pearlman, “Australian military to recruit PRs amid troop shortage; S’poreans could be included in future,”The Straits Times, 05 June 2024)

East Asia & The Pacific Reader | 04 June 2024, Tuesday | Vol.1 No. 98
Australian student protests in Australia in support of Gaza
On 03 June, the sloping lawns of Sydney University which were earlier filled with students chatting or resting during class breaks, were now occupied by tent rows as students stood in support of the Palestinians with “Free Gaza” slogans. Such a protest is the first in Australia and has motivated the students in other parts of the country also. The students have demanded the Universities to end all its ties with any Israeli institutions in light of the ongoing war. Unlike the protests in the US, these protests in Australia have been peaceful and haven’t led to any arrests as of now. (Jonathan Pearlman, “Campus protests in Australia over Gaza war lead to student stand-offs but no major disruptions,” The Straits Times, 3 June 2024)