Australia in US ‘spy network’

Allegations have surfaced accusing Australia of spying on its neighbours on behalf of the US. According to documents obtained through the US National Security Agency (NSA) and leaked by whistleblower, Edward Snowden, the US-led spying network uses Australian embassies in Asia and the Pacific, including Port Moresby and Dili. The intelligence collection operation involves the interception of radio, telecommunications and internet traffic. Interestingly it is reported that most diplomats are unaware of surveillance programmes within their embassies and high commissions.

This article was written by

Kiery Manassah

Kiery Manassah is a journalist and holds a Master of Communication for Social Change from the University of Queensland. He is a former editor of the Vanuatu Daily Post and has worked at the Pacific Institute of Public Policy. Most recently he held the position of Public Relations Officer for the government led by Joe Natuman.

YOUR SAY: The new Global Goals

This short survey, undertaken in partnership with RMIT University, explains the new ‎Global Goals and gives people across the Pacific the chance to rate their relevance and help track progress. The more we know about the goals, the more we can hold our leaders to account to implement them.
Coalition builder

Frustrated with the status quo? Think you can do better? Have you always wanted to build your own parliamentary coalition government? Now you can with our new coalition builder web app!
IN PICTURES – CYCLONE PAM

A photo essay by Dan McGarry, detailing the impact of the unprecedented force of cyclone Pam on Vanuatu.

YOUTHQUAKE

DP17 – Half the population of our region is under 24, and the Pacific has some of the highest population growth rates in the world. How will population pressures affect the quality of our democracy and young people’s opportunities?
DEFINING PACER ‘PLUS’

DP11 – PACER Plus promises to be more than just a free trade deal benefitting Australia. As negotiations continue, who will really benefit from this major regional initiative?
URBAN HYMNS

DP18 – Urbanisation needs to be seen and managed as a national priority, while a new mindset is required that can look positively at the urban process.