Lucy Cooper

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Lucy Cooper

Australia is heading to the polls on May 3rd for it's federal election and policy and comments about the Pacific are starting to emerge. One of the two political parties that make up the Coalition, which is currently in Opposition, says it wants Pacific nations to take a "more aggressive stance" towards China over climate change. The Australian Nationals leader David Littleproud suggests Pacific leaders don't understand how much leverage they have with Beijing.

2 weeks ago | abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic |Lucy Cooper

Nationals leader David Littleproud says if the Coalition wins office it will urge Pacific nations to take a "more aggressive stance" towards China's climate policies, suggesting they don't "understand" how much leverage they have with Beijing. Labor has taken aim at the Coalition's record in the Pacific, and has warned that its climate policies will sabotage Australia's strategic position in the region in the face of relentless pressure from Beijing.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Lucy Cooper

Last weekend, just over forty-five-thousand fans took their seats at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to watch four rugby league games -  two NRL fixtures, one Super League clash, and a women's Test match. Behind the scenes, club CEOs and chairs were able to gather and meet stakeholders to discuss the future of the sport, and its international potential. That was the focus of the closed doors Indo-Pacific Forum on Geopolitics and Rugby League.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Lucy Cooper

It was marketed by the federal government as way of deepening ties with the Pacific… but insiders say instead it's turned into a mess. The Pacific Engagement Visa launched last year offers up to three thousand participating citizens from the Pacific and Timor Leste permanent residency. Chosen through a random ballot each year, it's generated huge interest in the region with fifty six thousand people applying for the first round.

1 month ago | abc.net.au | Lucy Cooper

The roll out of the Australian Government's new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) has been labelled as "chaotic" and "confusing" by applicants who say they have been let down by the scheme. But the Federal Government says its 'satisfied' with the visa delivery despite just 100 of a potential 2900 visas granted so far.