The Latest Breaking News from Matw Wale

AFP confirms it received budget funding to set up a new Solomon Islands police training centre

The Australian Federal Police confirms the government allocated money in the budget to set up a new police training centre in the Pacific Island country and to ensure Australian officers remain there until the Pacific Games.

ABC News · Nov 8, 2022

Weapons, vehicles given to Solomons police

Australia has donated more than $1 million in weapons and vehicles to Solomon Islands police, in a move criticised by the Solomon Islands opposition.

AAP · Nov 2, 2022

Australian Federal Police gives Solomon Islands police semi-automatic rifles, vehicles

Australia donates rifles and police vehicles to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Forces ahead of the Pacific Games, but the country's opposition leader criticised the donation, saying Australia did it to stop China's influence.

ABC News · Nov 2, 2022

Honiara denies wanting to control Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, while moving to replace its board

The Solomon Islands government says it's considering replacing the board of the country's national broadcaster, but denies taking control of editorial policy, amid concerns the government-funded media outlet is losing its independence.

ABC News · Aug 8, 2022

Solomon Islands takes tighter control over state broadcaster

The government of the Solomon Islands is tightening its control over the nation’s state-owned broadcaster

The Independent UK · Aug 4, 2022

In the Solomon Islands, Wong takes first tentative steps in repairing a strained relationship

Foreign Minister Penny Wong was no doubt expecting a cooler reception than her three previous visits to the Pacific when she touched down in Honiara last Friday. The Solomon Islands government website had not even listed the Australian minister’s visit – but it did note the first visit of a…

The Conversation · Jun 19, 2022

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader accuses AFP of renting property from government MP for inflated price

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Matthew Wale is accusing the Australian Federal Police of renting a property from a key government MP and powerbroker for a hugely inflated price.

ABC News · May 20, 2022

China is exerting ‘enormous pressure’ on Pacific island nations, Scott Morrison says

Morrison dodges questions on whether Australia knew of Solomon Islands-China pact amid ministers’ conflicting accounts

The Guardian - AU · Apr 22, 2022

PM clarifies China security threat insight

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the government has been aware of a potential Chinese security pact arising in the Indo-Pacific.

AAP · Apr 20, 2022

Scott Morrison fends off claim Solomon Islands-China pact is worst foreign policy failure since 1945

Prime minister defends Canberra’s ‘calibrated’ approach to Honiara and tries to turn criticism back on Labor

The Guardian - AU · Apr 20, 2022