By Sally Andrews, an intern in the Lowy Institute's Melanesia program.
- Vanuatu's Disaster Management Office struggles in the cyclone aftermath as aid dries up.
- Solomon Islands Prime Minister faces backlash over tax-free salary scheme for MPs.
- On ABC TV's Landline program, ni-Vanuatu share their experience of the Seasonal Workers Program; their labour is helping to address the shortage of Australians willing to work in the horticulture industry.
- There is a risk the Seasonal Workers Program may get caught up in the controversy around exploitation of other foreign workers in the Australian horticulture sector.
- In a speech about institutionalising the Pacific Islands Development Forum, Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama sought to clarify his position regarding regional architecture and Australian and New Zealand membership of the Pacific Islands Forum.
- Nauru's government restricts internet access on 'religious grounds'; Nauru's opposition brands it an attempt to suppress free speech.
- The Cook Islands is applying for membership of the UN's International Labour Organisation.
- Human Rights Watch has called upon Indonesia to lift a media ban on West Papua.
- Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop opened the Pacific Spirit exhibition at the Australian Museum in Sydney.