Radio Australia shortwave has been closed down after more than 70 years commnicating Australian life and business to Pacific people. Australia's flag in the region no longer flies. Now China is moving in, no wonder and good luck to them.

Out there in the Pacific Australia is now virtually non existent. Shops are filling with rice and goods from Asia instead of Australia. Out ABC is hurting Australian rural and city business.

Of course Australia could reinstate it's presence and friendliness if some mutually beneficial socio-economic projects were welcomed and encouraged by Australian presence on air, instead of being stifled and even gagged.

http://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/us-bemused-by-australia-s-lack-of-leadership-in-the-pacific-labor-20180503-p4zd3r.html

Not quite sure that what's being spruiked here is accurate.

This is a recent link as to what's happening in that
region:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-04/us-marines-join-australian-warship-pacific-china-anxiety-grows/9729652

cont'd ...

It would appear that the Australian Government is making
a push to re-establish itself as the dominant nation in
the S. Pacific.

From that link, Foxy, it looks like developed nations are getting ready for war.

Australia's neighboring Pacific Islands people need econonic stimulus including new productive infrastructure and affordable goods that Australia could be and should be helping to develop, instead of war mongering.
Mr Turnbull has his $50 billion summaries, Mr Trump his shares in missile manufacturing and grandstanding international target practice.
Mr Shorten is living in the past.

Solomon Islands now has an operating theatre just for amputation of toes, feet, lower legs, upper legs bit by bit, all resulting from Diabetes II. I think that shocking situation is result of Australia ignoring amino acid protein deficiency malnutrition and weakened immunity among seafood dependent people in the region.
There is evidence of substance accordingly.

I love my country Australia but I despise self serving politicians and their waste of time bickering and screaming at each other in Parliament.

Debate should be about new and viable progress and opportunity including for Australia using available fly in fly out island workers on remote projects Aus workers are not prepared to engage in.

For example, Australia needs water infrastructure but the Aus minister for infrastructure.
There could Ord system water could be sent south to help WA farmers with more fertile grain growing land while existing land rests fallow.
Wet season water from north Queensland could be sent south to help reduce demand on the Murray Darling system.

Pacific workers would appreciate Australia more if such projects took up debate time toward progress, instead of the political screaming and bickering.

Dear JF Aus,

Beautifully said and I can't argue with the valid
issues you've raised.

Perhaps you don't realise JF Aus that the sign on the government warehouse in Gizo proclaimed BRITISH SOLOMON ISLAND PROTECTRATE. Oz had nothing to do with the structure of the Solomons. Perhaps you should suggest that the British pick up & fix any problems there.

Actually the poms did a great job in the Solomons, giving the people most of what they needed to become an independent nation, without too much change to their way of life, or overbearing management.

If you want to be a missionary on nutrition go do it, but I doubt Solomon people would accept their diet dictated by the Oz government.