Defence & Diplomacy: Australia says Papua New Guineans will start joining the Australian Defence Force under the Pukpuk Treaty, with recruitment ramping to “thousands” over a decade; Australia’s Deputy PM Richard Marles is also set to meet PNG and Solomon Islands leaders this week, including opening Australia’s Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands. Fisheries: Fisheries Minister Polycarp Paea reaffirmed Bina Harbour as the government’s central fisheries investment priority through April 2028, alongside stronger monitoring, electronic reporting and traceability. Police & Security: RSIPF received a $5.5m upgraded Tactical Training Centre from the AFP, and will run controlled WWII bomb-blast operations across Western and Choiseul (15–31 Aug). Mining & Land Rights: Parliament heard the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, introducing statutory Community Development Agreements and stronger landowner and environmental safeguards. Economy & Budget: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament GDP growth is revised to 3.5% (logging down, mining up) and said government debt stays within safety limits; Cabinet also approved work on a new national bank with a rural component. Infrastructure: Honiara International Port upgrade is moving into the next phase for Berth 1 extension, while the Lofung border outpost handover is set for 17 Aug. Governance & Regionalism: SPC and g7+ leaders met PM Wale on technical cooperation and regional priorities. Community & Development: MCILI and Strongim Bisnis awarded laptops and Starlink units to accelerator participants, while Small Malaita received SBD100,000 for boats and an engine to improve rural access to services. Health & Opposition: Opposition leader Matthew Wale urged “zero risk” delta preparedness ahead of further repatriation flights. Sports Governance: SIFF backed FIFA’s withdrawal of the Forward Enterprise proposal, echoing calls for transparency in football governance.