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16kg Marijuana Shipment Intercepted at Jacksons Airport

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A passenger traveling from Western Highlands Province was arrested and charged for smuggling 16kg of marijuana into Port Moresby.

On Thursday, 09th April, airport ground handlers noticed two unusual packages arriving from Mt Hagen on Air Niugini flight PX 189 and immediately alerted National Airports Corporation Aviation Security.

AVSEC then monitored the arrival hall and identified the passenger, traveling under
a false identity, who picked up the packages. He was escorted for security re-screening, where 16 kg of marijuana wrapped in two 8kg packages were confirmed.

The suspect was detained and handed over to Airport Police.

This incident follows two earlier security incidents;

  • On Sunday, 05th April, AVSEC, working with Air Niugini Security and Police, confiscated 20.2 kilograms of marijuana from a passenger arriving from Tari Airport.
  • On the same day, AVSEC officers intercepted undeclared 12 live 9mm rounds of ammunition from another passenger, traveling to Goroka from Port Moresby, who was immediately referred to Police for investigation.


NAC’s Acting Managing Director Dominic Kaumu said these consecutive detections highlight a disturbing frequency of large quantities of drugs being smuggled through domestic airports.

He said the National Airports Corporation (NAC) recognizes the urgent need to strengthen security screening and access control measures, particularly at outer airports which have emerged as high-risk gateways.

“Our teams together with other airport stakeholders have acted with vigilance and professionalism in stopping recent threats, but the growing number of incidents is deeply concerning. NAC is tightening screening, strengthening access controls, and improving intelligence sharing across all airports. We remain committed to working with partners to protect travellers and ensure airports do not become conduits for criminal activity,” said Kaumu.

NAC commends Air Niugini’s ground handling staff who had initially noticed and reported the unusual and suspicious cargo.

NAC is appealing to the public for cooperation and support in reporting suspicious activities throughout all airports.

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Australia secures fertiliser deal with Indonesia

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Australia has signed a deal to secure thousands of tonnes of nitrogen-rich fertiliser known as urea from Indonesia, amid disruptions caused by the conflict in Iran.

The federal government helped broker the deal between companies, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers and PT Pupuk Indonesia, amid a major trade tour in the region headed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Mr Albanese said the deal demonstrates the critical importance of strong relationships with Australia’s regional partners.

“We understand how critical fertiliser is for Australian farmers, for our food production system and the food security of our region,” he said.

Sixty per cent of the supply of urea to Australia for fertiliser travels through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained closed since US-Israeli strikes launched on Iran in February. 

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said she has been working around the clock with industry to support fertiliser getting to Australian farmers.

“This guarantees supply of fertiliser to Australian farmers at this critical time,” she said.

“While this is a commercial deal, the Australian and Indonesian governments have been working to support this positive outcome.”

Australia plays a major role supporting food security in Indonesia, Australia’s fourth largest export market for agriculture, fisheries and forestry exports, worth more than $4.7 billion in 2025.

Incitec Pivot President Scott Bowman said while there is more work to do to ensure farmers requirements can be fully met for the upcoming season, the additional volume will go a long way to shoring up supplies.

“This additional volume for the period May to December, at prevailing market prices, is another critical plank in servicing the needs of Australian farmers,” he said.

Mr Albanese cut his trade tour short on Thursday while in Malaysia, heading straight back to Geelong following a major fire at one of the country’s two fuel refineries.

While the fire only damaged part of the facility, there are fears it could lead to fuel shortages, particularly in parts of Victoria.

Earlier he announced Australia had secured 100 million litres of additional diesel from Brunei and South Korea using new strategic reserve powers.

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Defence strategy downplaying larger threat: ex-ADF head

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A record spend on defence outside of wartime is still too complacent in the near-term and does not look at the bigger picture, a former defence force chief says.

Defence Minister Richard Marles launched the military’s next two-year strategy on Thursday, with an extra $53 billion set aside in the next 10 years.

Submarines, drones and long-range missiles will be prioritised as part of defence infrastructure, as the minister warns of growing global threats.

But former Australian Defence Force chief Chris Barrie said the strategy focused on the immediate future, not the long-term goals required.

“Focusing on the immediate period and current preoccupations and downplaying bigger threats in the future is poor strategic thinking,” he said.

“What is largely missing is a clear statement of the really big issues facing Australia: extreme climate impacts, geopolitical tension, authoritarianism and disinformation, and the existence of large nuclear arsenals now form a single, interconnected security risk environment.

“These elements can reinforce one another in dangerous ways, leading to systemic breakdown.”

Mr Barrie, who is also part of the Australian Security Leaders Climate Group, said the strategy needed to include climate security risks.

“The strategy fails to fully recognise how Australia’s expanding coal and gas exports are perpetuating a cycle of fossil fuel reliance, undermining Australia’s long-term security and global leadership,” he said.

The extra money will lead Australia to increase its defence spend to three per cent of GDP by 2033, up from 2.33 per cent.

The Trump administration had called on allies such as Australia to boost defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Justin Bassi said the defence strategy reinforced the security threats the ADF faced.

“The core theme in the strategy is an approach of self-reliance which is achieved by enhancing our own capabilities while also recognising that the US alliance remains vital to our security,” he said.

“This is a direct rebuttal of those arguing for an independent defence and foreign policy, meaning reduced collaboration with the US, and which would actually be cost-prohibitive.

“While all countries face budget constraints, investing in defence and security now will help deter adversaries and prepare Australia for crises so that we avoid having to spend even more later, which has to be the lesson of the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.”

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Nadzab Land Development Authority Board Sworn In

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The ambitious vision to transform the Nadzab area into a bustling urban and economic area has officially transitioned from policy to practice. On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Nadzab Land Development Authority (NLDA) Board was formally sworn in, marking a historic turning point for Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea’s land development landscape.

Established under the Nadzab Land Development Authority Act 2025, the NLDA is backed by a robust legal framework following strategic amendments to the Land Act, Land Registration Act, Physical Planning Act, Survey Act, and Valuation Act. Together, these legislative changes provide the teeth necessary for the Authority to manage large-scale urban development effectively.

The newly minted board brings together a wealth of expertise from the private and public sectors. Leading the charge as Chairman is Dr. Charles Yala, representing property development and finance. He is joined by:

  • David Wissink: Representing resource sector developers.
  • George Gware: Representing the private commercial and logistics sector.
  • Benjamin Samson: Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning (representing the State).
  • Morobe Provincial Administration Representative.

Two additional members are expected to be appointed during the board’s inaugural meeting. This team is now mandated to spearhead the master planning, infrastructure coordination, and investment mobilization required to bring the Nadzab Township to life.

Speaking on behalf of Secretary Benjamin Samson, Deputy Secretary for Customary Land, Lazarus Malesa, emphasized that the NLDA is the engine room of this vision.

“This is a momentous step forward for land development in the country. The authority is the one that will drive the actual development of the project itself,” Malesa said.

As a flagship initiative under the National Land Partnership Program, the project is designed to act as a pressure valve for Lae, reducing urban congestion while creating fresh economic corridors. Critically, it aims to integrate customary landowners directly into the development process.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, John Rosso, made it clear that while the government sets the stage, the private sector will be the primary builder.

“Government, we do what we do best, that is policy and guidelines. The work of building should be left to private industry. They do it more efficiently than us,” Rosso said.

Minister Rosso further stressed that the project’s success hinges on three pillars: investor confidence, secure land tenure, and genuine landowner engagement.

By empowering the NLDA, the government is signaling a commitment to sustainable growth where customary landowners aren’t just bystanders, but active participants in the future of the Nadzab hub.

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Marape Calls for Calm as PNGTUC Demands Protection for Whistleblower Soldiers

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The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment scandal has escalated into a standoff between the government’s call for military discipline and the labor union’s demand for whistleblower protection.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister James Marape has called for immediate calm, discipline, and a return to duty following what he described as an illegal roadblock involving a small number of personnel at Murray Barracks.

While the Prime Minister stressed that the protest was limited to a small group, the PNG Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) argued that the soldiers involved are not criminals; but whistleblowers acting with integrity to expose a recruitment rort.

Opposition Leader, James Nomane also countered the government’s narrative, stating that what was witnessed at Murray Barracks is the foreseeable outcome of sustained political interference and institutional decay within the Defence Force over the last seven years.

He warned that an unstable defence force is a national security crisis.

The roadblock began lastnight when a few members of the Defence Force gathered outside Murray Barracks in Port Moresby to protest an Internal Disciplinary Proceeding for four soldiers who revealed recruitment irregularities in a video shared widely on social media.

The Internal Disciplinary Proceeding did not eventuate this morning, according to one active-duty member of the force who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Since the road block began, several members of the public who are tired of seeing corruption in the country have taken to social media, especially Facebook, to show their support toward the actions taken by PNGDF personnel recently.

Government Orders Independent Review

Prime Minister Marape confirmed he has directed the Defence Force Commander to suspend all ongoing internal investigative processes regarding recent recruitment concerns. Instead, a broader independent review sanctioned by Cabinet will take over.

The investigation will be led by the Chief Secretary, supported by the State Solicitor and an external high-level team, to ensure a fair and transparent assessment. Marape stated the decision to pause internal discipline is intended to uphold natural justice.

“All officers are to be considered innocent until the full investigation is completed. Those who have raised concerns through proper channels will be protected,” Marape said.

However, the Prime Minister issued a firm warning against continued acts of indiscipline.

“Those who continue to engage in unlawful or disorderly conduct risk being identified and subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal,” he said.

Union Calls for Whistleblower Protection

The PNG Trade Union Congress has taken a sharp stance against any punitive action, stating that the soldiers acted in the national interest.

PNGTUC General Secretary Clemence Kanau in a statement shared on Facebook said that punishing whistleblowers sends a dangerous message; that truth is a liability and corruption is protected. Kanau said the PNGDF hierarchy must not bow to political pressure, as these officers took an oath to defend the nation, not political interests.

The union expressed serious concerns over any premature action against the four soldiers implicated before the findings of a transparent investigation are made public. Kanau stated the absence of publicly disclosed Terms of Reference for the government’s investigation only deepens uncertainty and invites speculation.

National Stability at Stake

The unrest comes at a time when PNG is managing multiple challenges, including natural disasters and economic pressures. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the country cannot afford instability within its disciplined forces.

“This is not the standard expected of our Defence Force. We are building a modern, disciplined, and professional force that Papua New Guinea can be proud of,” Marape said.

The Prime Minister further confirmed that the substantive Defence Minister has stepped aside to allow the review process to proceed independently.

As the investigation gets underway, the PNGTUC remains firm that the soldiers must be left alone until the process is complete. Kanau stated that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.

Military Enforces Nationwide “Close Camp”

Following the Prime Minister’s directive, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Chief of Defence Force, has issued a formal “Close Camp” order across all PNGDF units and military establishments nationwide. This security control measure, effective for one month, is described as necessary to ensure strict security and stability during the ongoing recruitment issue.

Under the Commander’s Directive No. 7/2026, the following measures have been implemented:

  • Limited movement in and out of barracks.
  • Strict restrictions on the entry of civilians not residing within the barracks.
  • No unnecessary civilians or vehicles are permitted entry.
  • Military vehicles are prohibited from use without prior written authority.
  • Increased security around all unit armories and magazines.
  • A total ban on the issuance of weapons or ammunition during the Close Camp period.

Rear Admiral Polewara stated that all unit commanders are to exercise strict command and control to ensure compliance, warning that any breach of this directive will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

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Broncos Crisis: Paix Faces D-Day Medical Check

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White male rugby player in motion looking disoriented on the field of play.

The Brisbane Broncos are facing a major injury crisis as hooker Cory Paix prepares for a critical meeting with an independent neurosurgeon today. The outcome of this appointment will determine if Paix can take the field against the Wests Tigers this Saturday night, a game that has become a “must-win” for a Brisbane side struggling with a growing casualty list.

Currently, the Broncos are without nine key players due to injury or suspension, including three regular hookers. If Paix is ruled out, the pressure will fall on 20-year-old young gun Cameron Bukowski, who was named in the extended squad at No.20.

The controversy surrounds a Category 1 concussion ruling made by the NRL’s independent doctor during last Friday’s 35-31 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys. Under NRL rules, a Category 1 diagnosis requires an automatic stand-down, but the Broncos are challenging the decision, insisting it should have been a Category 2.

The club argues that Paix merely tripped over his own feet and stumbled. To bolster their case, a source close to the team described Paix’s mental state as being sharp enough to rival a scholar.

“Cory was as lucid as Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man when he listed the Qantas flight timetables.”

Three Brisbane Broncos male players getting into a huddle on the field of play
Cory Paix of the Broncos celebrates a try during the NRL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Coach Michael Maguire expressed his confusion after the Cowboys match, stating that Paix was eager to return to the fray almost immediately.

“Cory ran off and was ready to run back out again. I don’t quite understand that one, but that was the call from external,” Maguire said.

“So I’ll go through the right channels here with the doctors and review it but talking to Paix, he can’t believe it himself.”

The player’s manager, Paul Hogan, confirmed that Paix is feeling fit and passed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) on the night.

“I have just spoken to Cory and he is as good as gold,”

“He passed his HIA on the night. I didn’t think there was any doubt about it. If we thought, it was a category one we wouldn’t want him playing.”

This weekend’s clash at Campbelltown carries significant historical weight. The Wests Tigers, currently joint competition leaders, have a poor record against the Broncos at the venue. In nine meetings at Campbelltown, the Tigers have never managed a win against Brisbane, with the Broncos holding an eight-game winning streak following a draw in their first-ever meeting in 2000.

For Coach Maguire, a victory would be particularly sweet. Having previously coached the Tigers during a difficult period for the club, he is now focused on keeping Brisbane’s 26-year unbeaten record at Campbelltown intact.

Fans across Papua New Guinea will be watching closely to see if the Broncos can overcome these hurdles and maintain their dominance over the Tigers.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Titanic rewritten in heroic tale of Aussie survivor

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A women wearing a white top and long black pants standing on what appears to be a harbor with a ship in the background

Of the 2200 passengers and crew aboard the Titanic, which set sail from Southampton bound for New York, just six were Australian.

But only one Australian born crew member, a young nurse from Adelaide, was among the 700 people to survive the sinking of the “unsinkable” vessel in the early hours of April 15, 1912.

Her name was Evelyn Marsden and while the story of the fateful ship has been retold countless times in the past 114 years, her tale was largely forgotten.

That is until now.

Journalist Lisa Wilkinson, known for her time as editor of bestselling magazines Dolly and Cleo before a successful career in television, now adds second-time author to her credentials with the publishing of The Titanic Story of Evelyn. 

It is a true and never-before-told story of the heroic role played by Evelyn after the Titanic fatally hit an iceberg. 

The book was officially launched at Australia’s National Maritime Museum on Tuesday night with the help of another notable South Australian, former prime minister Julia Gillard.

Ms Wilkinson was compelled to tell the story after realising every retelling of the Titanic, from movies to books to podcasts, seemed to have been written by men.

Even following the disaster the women who had survived were not asked to contribute to any of the inquiries held, as their thoughts and recollections were not deemed useful enough by the men who ran them.

“No one had ever looked at this story through the female lens,” Ms Wilkinson said. 

“Everyone’s read the Titanic story, but not this way … there are so many layers of stories that haven’t been told.” 

The idea for the book first came to Ms Wilkinson three years ago and she wrote it while in the midst of fighting a defamation claim brought by Bruce Lehrmann against Network Ten.

Lehrmann lost the case and his multiple appeal attempts have failed, most recently in the High Court which has brought finality to the case. 

While the two women did not discuss the tumultuous circumstances the book was written in, Ms Wilkinson thanked her family, including husband Peter FitzSimons, daughter Billie and sons Jake and Louis, for their support. 

The women on stage noted that in many ways the arrogance of men had led to the tragedy.

But the Titanic story was also one of duty as most men on board stood back to allow women and children into the lifeboats.

“On the one hand you’ve got men acting they way they did, leading to the outcome it did, and then on the other you’ve got so many who heroically gave up their lives so that women and children would be saved,” Ms Wilkinson said. 

The packed crowd included a number of famous faces from politics, journalism and television.

But Ms Wilkinson was most moved by the attendance of Evelyn’s great niece Patrea, who thanked her for bringing an amazing woman to life on the page.

The book would also ensure remarkable women were not lost to history, Hachette Australia and New Zealand chief executive Louise Stark noted.

“As a society, to move forward and to progress, we need to look back to understand ourselves, and if we are only looking back to the male version of our history, that understanding will never come,” she said.

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Soldiers Mount Blockades at Murray Barracks Roundabout as Recruitment Scandal Deepens

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Blockades by soldiers are currently in place outside the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby, as serving members demand accountability over alleged corruption in the 01/26 Basic Recruit intake.

The soldiers are calling for the defence hierarchy to respond immediately to their grievances. Tensions remain high as the standoff continues.

The blockades come after a wave of discharges targeting senior officers who raised concerns about recruitment irregularities. Those discharged include Lt. Col. Joe Teriken, PNGDF Chief of Training, Chief Warrant Officer Benson Eremas, and another Chief Warrant Officer allegedly targeted over a social media post. All three have over 35 years of service, including Bougainville tours, and say they were removed without investigation, charges, or adherence to the Compulsory Retirement process.

Another (4) four soldiers from Records Office of the PNGDF in charge of enlistment who were not directly involved in the recruitment have been charged and will face court Marshall at 10am tomorrow (15th April 2026).

Soldiers’ demands

Soldiers manning the blockades have issued four demands:

  1. Dissolve the defence council
  2. Remove Chief of Personnel Colonel Rodney Yahamani. Appoint a new Chief of Personnel to reinstate the discharged soldiers.
  3. Remove all charges against the four soldiers who were in the video uploaded recently discharged and ensure no court action is taken against the officers.
  4. Demand an independent investigation.

How the crisis unfolded

The saga was triggered after the public filmed recruits performing a “duck walk” march outside Goldie River Training Depot at 1-Mile. A subsequent video posted to Facebook showed recruits being questioned about enlistment despite exceeding age limits.

As the blockades continue, the scandal casts a long shadow over national security and regional stability.

The roadblock will continue tomorrow if their demands are not met.

The University of Papua New Guinea students have pledged their support to join the protest.

The grievances were raised to Commanding Officer of Force Support Battalion Major Ashley Gamiandu.

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NGO Sues PNG Forest Authority for Access to Logging Records

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Machinery drops round logs onto the ground on a forest clearing/logging site.

After three years of asking the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority to release public information, Community advocacy organization ACT NOW! is now taking legal action to secure the release of information about large-scale logging operations.

ACT NOW! says while there is a general Constitutional right to information and provision in the Forestry Act for a public register with key information on each forest management area, the PNGFA has repeatedly failed to answer requests for information and has not responded to detailed and well documented concerns about individual logging concessions.

Illegal and unsustainable logging has been recognized as a widespread and serious problem in PNG and the lack of effective action by government agencies has been a contributing factor in PNG’s recent grey listing by the international financial community.

ACT NOW! says that the failure to publish even basic information on logging licenses and forestry operations contributes to a cloak of secrecy behind which foreign owned logging companies and compromised officials are able to operate with impunity.

ACT NOW! has published a number of reports, case studies and risk assessments over the last three years, all of which it says have been ignored by the PNG Forest Authority.

ACT NOW! has also been rebuffed in its attempts to seek more information on the current moratorium on new Forest Clearing Authorities, the audits of existing FCA projects and the latest log export data.

ACT NOW! says it is an unfortunate indictment on the PNG Forest Authority and the government that a civil society organization is having to resort to legal action to enforce basic community rights to information.

It says while the government and the Forest Authority are supposed to be protecting rural communities and ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources, key individuals and organizations have been captured by foreign interests and are working against the national interest.

ACT NOW! says it remains hopeful that the legal system is still strong and robust enough to protect the rights of ordinary people and that its legal action will be successful in uncovering information that can shine a light on the misuse of forest resources and the revenues generated.

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Port Moresby Set for Reliable Transport with New Electric Bus Fleet

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Port Moresby is moving toward a cleaner future following a successful diplomatic mission to Shenzhen, China, where National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop secured a fleet of electric buses and a new waste-to-energy solution for the city.

The first fleet of electric buses is expected to arrive later this year, signaling the start of a phased move away from diesel vehicles. For city residents, this transition means a direct improvement in daily life through better air quality, lower fuel costs, and a more reliable public transport service operated by the NCDC.

In a move to modernize the city’s utilities, the NCDC also reached an agreement in principle to convert the Baruni landfill into a waste-to-energy facility. This project aims to turn the city’s trash into a productive power resource, reducing the size of the landfill while supporting the capital’s long-term energy needs.

Governor Parkop emphasized that these partnerships are focused on delivering practical results for the community.

“This is not a study visit. We came here to secure real, working solutions for Port Moresby. Cleaner public transport and turning waste into energy are outcomes that will directly benefit our people,” Governor Parkop stated.

The governor also highlighted the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels, saying there is a need for Papua New Guinea to adopt sustainable energy strategies that are ecologically friendly, including solar, wind, gas, thermal, hydro, ocean generation of energy, and electric vehicles.

The new waste-to-energy system is expected to improve local waste collection and recycling, moving Port Moresby closer to its goal of being a clean, planned, and liveable city.

The visit also marked the 10th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between Port Moresby and Shenzhen, as well as 50 years of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and China.

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