Australia

A statement issued by the government confirmed that these development include investing in health, education, governance, and climate resilience. Australia is proud to partner with Samoa by increasing our development assistance to an estimated AUD$53.5 million in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Australian High Commissioner, Emily Luck, said, "Guided by the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and supported by our Bilateral Partnership Arrangement, Australia is committed to working alongside Prime Minister Fiame and the Samoan Government to support Samoa's development aspirations.”

Zonfrillo died in Melbourne on Sunday, MasterChef Australia confirmed on Monday afternoon.

"Network 10 and Endemol Shine Australia are deeply shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Jock Zonfrillo, a beloved member of the MasterChef family," a statement from the program said.

"Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son."

The public version of the Albanese government's long-awaited Defence Strategic Review will confirm cuts to several projects such as new Army vehicles, while funding more immediate priorities that deliver "impactful projection" well beyond Australia.

An unclassified 110-page version of the "National Defence" document, prepared by former defence chief Angus Houston and former minister Stephen Smith, will be released on Monday, two months after being handed to the prime minister.

The Danish royal family has released a statement on its official Instagram account confirming that Mary will visit Australia, Vanuatu and Fiji from April 23 to 28.

The visit is to “highlight the consequences of climate change in the Pacific region”, the English translation of the statement reads.

Princess Mary will spend time in Sydney on April 28, where she will participate in an event with Danish business representatives involved in “the green transition in Australia”.

She will also visit a number of projects related to construction and transport.

According to the ministry, this has always been, and remains a coordinated and highly invested multi-stakeholder effort, including the Samoan Country Liaison Officer, Samoa Head of Mission & Consulate in Australia, Government of Australia and various Australian based agencies as well as local communities.

MCIL issued a statement in light of the concerning number of unsubstantiated information about the temporary worker scheme being circulated via various social platforms.

Covid-19 pandemic and safe return home

Sydney has proudly held the title for more than 100 years.

But with populations rapidly growing on Melbourne's fringe, the city limits have been expanded to include the area of Melton.

The latest government figures, from June 2021, put Melbourne's population at 4,875,400 - 18,700 more than Sydney.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) defines a city's "significant urban area", by including all connecting suburbs with more than 10,000 people.

This was announced by Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Samoa's Finance Minister.

The Ministers also announced a new eight-year partnership focused on Samoa's economic growth and governance priorities.

Called 'Tautai - Governance for Economic Growth', it will support Samoa's continued economic recovery from Covid, jointly delivering projects to improve livelihoods for Samoans.

The announcement was made by Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy at his final address to conclude his first visit to Samoa yesterday.

“Rugby is an integral part of Samoa and Australia’s national identities and a symbol of the shared love of sports between the two nations. This Australian Government funding recognises our shared love of rugby, and the power of sports to bring our people together. Australia’s Pacific AusSports Initiative also assists other sporting codes including netball, cricket and rugby league.”

Minister Conroy announced Australia’s support of AUD$220,000 (approx. WST 390,000) to the Manu Samoa team ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be held in France, on the second day of his two day visit.

Rugby is an integral part of Samoa and Australia’s national identities and a symbol of the shared love of sports between the two nations.

Fiamē is in Australia on her first bilateral visit as Samoa’s leader.

A joint statement said the Prime Ministers’ bilateral talks reflected the longstanding relationship between Australia and Samoa, underpinned by mutual respect and trust.

The Prime Ministers affirmed their strong partnership and commitment to work together on shared challenges and priorities to support a stable, prosperous and resilient Pacific region.