Telecom Reform & Rural Expansion: PM Matthew Wale met Satsol executives as the company maps plans to expand reliable, affordable services into rural communities, with government reforms including a review of the Telecommunications Act and changes to the Telecommunications Commission. Geohazards & Early Warning: Minister Derrick Manuari opened major regional meetings in Honiara on seismic monitoring, geohazards and the Pacific Tsunami Warning System, stressing that preparedness investments protect communities and national economies. Regional Security Diplomacy: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, highlighting deep divisions as militarisation concerns grow. Parliament Autonomy: Wale pushed for stronger, more independent Parliament, including greater control of parliamentary finances and an independent Parliamentary Budget Office. Free Education Debate: Government says groundwork for fee-free education in 2027 is underway, while MPs warn of “urban drift” if provincial schools, teachers and facilities aren’t strengthened first. Public Finance Scrutiny: PAC questioned supplementary funding requests including $532,455 for SolCERT cyber work and $3.3m for Honiara Senior High School rehabilitation, plus $2.5m for SIBC strategy implementation. Governance & Rural Growth: MRD is developing policy for Constituency Economic Growth Centres, and all 50 constituencies will undergo CDF audits using a community participatory approach. Courts & Environment: High Court ordered two logging firms to pay $62m to Isabel communities over unlawful logging and damage to water, gardens and culturally important sites. Economy Outlook: CBSI projected a more favourable 2026-27 outlook, with growth supported by services and spending but risks from El Niño and global shocks.