Angus Taylor has just been delivering a statement in front of the cameras, which included a stark assessment of his party’s current position. Follow our live coverage. RPT

Adults using children to traffic drugs must face harsher penalties, University of Fiji lawyer Natalie Raikadroka said yesterday. Speaking at a public consultation on the draft Counter Narcotics Drug Bill in Lautoka, Ms Raikadroka stressed that children under-14 should not be blamed for crimes they are coerced into committing. She said adults who profit from their exploitation should be targeted. “These kids are being coerced, beaten and ordered from home to take drugs to school and sell them here and there,” she said, highlighting that the real culprits are the adults exploiting vulnerable children. She called for the law to make special provisions for children under-14 involved in the drug trade while imposing stricter punishment on the adults behind it. “Special consideration should be made for children, but the law should be harsher towards the adults who are using these children to traffic drugs.” Inspector Jemesa Lave from the Ministry...

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic (CISNOC) president Luisa Peters. IWF/26021110 The current CISNOC board is implementing robust governance and financial reforms to rebuild trust following a PERC report that exposed significant historical mismanagement, including unpaid taxes and lost scholarship funds under previous leadership. The current CISNOC board is implementing robust governance and financial reforms to rebuild trust following a PERC report that exposed significant historical mismanagement, including unpaid taxes and lost scholarship funds under previous leadership. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOWfor as little as $11 per month. – Up to date and breaking news– Includes access to Premium content– Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First. Comments RPT

A meeting was held on Thursday to push for a more coordinated approach to hosting and showcasing national events that offer outside attractions and lure tourists. The face to face meeting was organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), in partnership with Tourism Solomons (TS) and local event organisers. The meeting was held at the Tourism Solomons conference room in Honiara. Government, through MCT and with support from commercial partners, backs events by providing a solid foundation to build a more structured, coordinated and market-ready approach to event promotion aimed at delivering greater benefits. Speaking to the Solomon Star, Fiona Teama, Head of Marketing at Tourism Solomons, said a primary challenge discussed at the meeting was the lack of confirmed dates and consistent scheduling from event organizers, which hinders effective marketing to international media, wholesalers and travel agents. She said the meeting emphasized the need for firm dates...

Aelan Express’ high-speed passenger ferry, Blue Wota, is set to begin operations with a focus on safety, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Read more on our website ⬇️ https://www.dailypost.vu/business/safety-first-captain-alick-outlines-safety-priorities-on-new-passenger-ferry/article_d4f54d68-6018-5894-b48c-dd3359a44b74.html Facebook

The lucky winner of the biggest lottery prize in Australia this year has revealed his incredible night after landing an $80 million prize. RPT

A heavy rain alert remains in force for the entire Fiji Group, as unsettled weather conditions are expected to persist through to Saturday. According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, a trough of low pressure with associated cloud, showers and rain is continuing to affect the country. Forecasts to midnight tonight indicate occasional rain, heavy at times, with a few thunderstorms over the Northern Division, the Yasawa and Mamanuca groups, western and northern parts of Viti Levu — including Korolevu to Sigatoka, Nadi to Ba and Tavua, Ra to Rakiraki — as well as Kadavu and nearby smaller islands. Elsewhere, occasional rain with isolated heavy falls and thunderstorms is expected. Rain is forecast to gradually ease to showers over the Eastern Division later today, before spreading to the rest of the Fiji Group. The Met Service has warned that persistent heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding in low-lying and flood-prone...

Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund chief executive Damien Beddoes. CINSF/25071121 The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF), established to provide secure retirement savings for all Cook Islanders, is marking its 25th anniversary today with a celebration at Tamarind House. The Cook Islands National Superannuation Fund (CINSF), established to provide secure retirement savings for all Cook Islanders, is marking its 25th anniversary today with a celebration at Tamarind House. To continue reading this article and to support our journalism CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOWfor as little as $11 per month. – Up to date and breaking news– Includes access to Premium content– Videos and online classifieds Already a subscriber, click here Our people. Our news. First. Comments RPT

The Gizo Market Vendors Association (GMVA) has successfully completed a two-day Leadership Skills Training in Gizo, Western Province. The workshop, held at the Outback Living Conference Space, commenced on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday.  The training targeted GMVA executives and members, including women market vendors and other ordinary members. Speaking to Solomon Star, National Project Coordinator of Markets for Change (M4C) under UN Women, Mrs. Alice Kale, said the training focused on transformational leadership. Mrs. Kale explained that the objective of the training was to help participants understand the concept of transformational leadership and how it can be applied within the association. “To become a transformational leader, one must first transform oneself. Leaders must understand who they are as a person and as a leader in order to effectively lead others,” she said. She added that the training aimed to increase women’s representation in Market Vendors Associations (MVAs) and in decision-making...

Racism is a “real and present” danger for Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Anthony Albanese says. RPT