Papua New Guinea
- Explainer
- Foreign relations
Location, location: Why tiny island strongholds are so prized
The Indian and Pacific oceans cover roughly half the globe and are dotted with strategically valuable islands. Who has what where – and when can it get controversial?
- Angus Holland
Latest
Inside the fight to stamp out polio in one of Australia’s closest neighbours
As Australia’s childhood vaccination rates continue to fall, Papua New Guinea’s outbreak shows what can happen when herd immunity is lost.
- Angus Thomson
With tax-free money to burn, Chiefs have sent a shudder through the NRL
As well as their regular wages, third-party deals are exempt from tax for players at the PNG NRL franchise, which could send their earnings into the stratosphere.
- Chris Barrett
‘The possibilities are enormous’: Why Luai is set to become the NRL’s first $2m player
The PNG Chiefs’ No.1 signing stands to rake in upwards of $500,000 in third-party agreements, on top of his whopping tax-free salary.
- Christian Nicolussi
- Updated
- NRL 2026
Luai’s private jet was paid for by PNG government; Chiefs sign Alex Johnston
The Wests Tigers, NSW and Samoa star has signed a $1.2 million-a-year, tax-free deal with the Chiefs.
- Christian Nicolussi, Chris Barrett and Adrian Proszenko
Jarome Luai visits Papua New Guinea as Chiefs chase blockbuster signing
One of the figures largely credited with turning the Wests Tigers into an NRL force has visited the home of what will become the league’s 19th team.
- Danny Weidler
Cyclone Maila on move as flood-weary region watches and waits
The category four system is set to weaken as it interacts with landfall closer to PNG and gradually treks toward Queensland’s coast in the coming days.
- Andrew Stafford and Ben McKay
- Updated
- NRL 2026
‘Deserves a chance at the big time’: Willie Peters wins race to coach PNG Chiefs
Willie Peters has been described as the ideal fit after being chosen as the PNG Chiefs’ inaugural coach – and the expansion franchise has also secured a recruitment manager.
- Adrian Proszenko
Cruise ship grounds off PNG, passengers to fly home
The vessel is the same one involved in a previous mishap in which an elderly passenger was found dead after being left behind on Lizard Island.
- Lloyd Jones
PNG teen killed in minibus crash was ‘the hope for his entire family’
Jamie Kakon, 17, was killed along with three others when a minibus veered off a remote road in northern Victoria this week.
- Melissa Cunningham and Isabel McMillan