Page 13 - IB July 2018

Political Brief - PACIFIC

Foreign students barred over spying fears

By Pacnews
KRAMER AUSENCO INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE AUSTRALIA has barred foreign university students from intern-
ing in MPs’ offices following concerns about alleged Chinese
espionage and interference in domestic affairs.
Established in Papua New Guinea, Kramer Ausenco is the Pacific’s leading Engineering, The internships are arranged by the Australian National
Architectural and Project Management company. University, which gives course credits to participating students.
But foreign citizens have been barred from taking up the
Kramer Ausenco Solomon Islands Ltd sends our Independence greetings to the Government, internships following complaints by some MPs about “behind-
Provincial Governments, Churches, Community Leaders, Non-Government Organisations, the-scenes access enjoyed by Chinese students,” according to
a report in The Australian Financial Review.
Businesses, and all good People of Solomon Islands. Individual MPs will still be able to offer informal internships
and work experience to foreign students.
Located in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu; our commitment Australia is one of the world’s most popular destinations for
to the development of the region is seen through our presence and our local people in the local communities. international students.
In April, there were more than 500,000 foreign students at
Australian educational institutions, about 30 per cent of whom
Our Values are: were from China.
• The client is our focus But there have been growing concerns in Australia about al-
• Our people are our strength leged meddling by China in domestic politics and at university Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Photo: ABC
• Respect the community and environment campuses. Australia has also been concerned about efforts by China to
Malcolm Turnbull, Australia’s Prime Minister, recently passed
• We are open, honest and collaborative tough measures to combat foreign interference, including a ban expand ties across the South Pacific.
on foreign political donations and a requirement that lobbyists Turnbull early July signed an agreement with the leaders of
Our Vision is to be the professional service provider of choice in the Pacific for project development, design, from abroad register their interests. Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to build an undersea
delivery and management, and implement positive change in our communities. This followed Turnbull’s expression of concerns about al- cable between the three nations, a move designed to block
leged Chinese interference after the resignation last year of an Chinese firm Huawei from developing the project.
opposition MP who adopted a pro-China stance on tensions in Australia and New Zealand are also reportedly planning to
Our Mission to provide industry-leading project management and engineering services for our clients, our the South China Sea after accepting donations from a wealthy sign a new security pact with South Pacific island nations later
people and the region is carried out by: Chinese businessman. this year.

• Offering expert knowledge, professionalism, value and integrity Post mortem on two dead babies completed brought to Australia after winning a federal court order to be
• Providing global expertise delivered locally APIA, Samoa - The post mortem on the two babies who died moved to high-level medical care. It is at least the ninth legal
• Employing and training staff from our region of operation e.g. Solomon Islanders after receiving their MMR vaccinations at the Safotu Hospital challenge won for medical intervention from Australia’s offshore
• Delivering culturally attuned solutions for local governments and communities have been completed by doctors assisting Samoa from Australia. processing regime. The woman – whom the court has ordered be
A statement from the Attorney General on the matter said this is referred to as BAF18 – and her son (BAG18) are set to be flown
in line with the investigation, and also to comply with the Court to Australia after a court heard from doctors that BAF18’s heart
These Values, Vision and Mission, are the foundation of all our work in the Solomon Islands, and we are proud direction of Judge Roma, to conduct the post mortem examina- condition and mental health issues could not be treated on Nauru,
to be nation-building partners through the development of many various infrastructure projects in the country. tions. The bodies of the two babies were carefully transported to and that her son was at acute risk of suicide if left on the island.
Moto’otua hospital by police officers working with funeral service
May God bless Solomon Islands and Happy 40 Independence Day. staff. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Ministry of Health expresses Cook health sector needs good overhaul
th
its condolences to the families of children who recently died in RAROTONGA, Cook Islands - A strong infrastructure is critical
Samoa shortly after the administration of MMR vaccine. to closing today’s gap between health promises and realities,
Kramer Ausenco, Global Engineering at Home in the Pacific. says Cook Islands newly-appointed health minister Rose Brown.
Biketawa Plus promises broader Pacific co-operation
SYDNEY, Australia - A commentator on Pacific issues says the Speaking at the opening of the 20th Annual Cook Islands Health
www.KramerAusenco.com Email: honiara@kramerausenco.com PH: 21996 updated Biketawa Declaration being prepared by Pacific countries Conference 2018, Brown said there was a need to provide op-
is not a device to counter China’s influence in the region. The claim portunities to train, refresh and advance the skills and knowledge
of medical practitioners, especially those in the outer islands out-
Solomon Islands I Australia I Papua New Guinea I Fiji I Samoa I Tonga I Vanuatu made in the newspaper, The Australian. But a former diplomat side of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. She said the Cook Islands was
turned academic, James Batley, said the so-called Biketawa Plus committed to the principles of universal health coverage which
emerged when the regional assistance mission to Solomon Islands
wound up last year. The mission was carried out under the aegis means providing all Cook Islanders access to quality health care.
of the original Biketawa agreement, and Dr Batley said there was
a desire among the countries involved to maintain such coopera- Former Vanuatu DPM awaits appeal
tion. He said he thinks the new deal will continue the current PORT VILA, Vanuatu - The Vanuatu Court of Appeal will soon
agreement’s security cooperation elements, but it will go further. hand its verdict on the legality of the Speaker of Parliament’s
decision to dismiss former Deputy Prime Minister and Member
Court orders Nauru refugee be flown to Australia of Parliament for Tanna, Joe Natuman. His legal counsel, Edward
CANBERRA, Australia - An Iranian refugee and her 17-year-old Nalyal, in his argument in court made reference to the case of
son, both acutely physically and mentally ill on Nauru, will be Barak Sope Maautamate.
Islands Business, July 2018 13