Tess Newton Cain
@tncpacific.bsky.social
Principal Consultant at Sustineo P/L leading on governance and security work | Commentator on Pacific politics, diplomacy & development | International Woman of Mystery | she/her
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
-FDR, 1937
-FDR, 1937
May 29, 2025 at 5:01 PM
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little."
-FDR, 1937
-FDR, 1937
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Australians recoil at the idea that we are in anyway like the USA, especially given the current regime. However security/police tackling a man for stealing food and suffocating him to death (Alice Springs/Mparntwe yesterday) is a George Floyd moment. It's not an isolated incident.
May 28, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Australians recoil at the idea that we are in anyway like the USA, especially given the current regime. However security/police tackling a man for stealing food and suffocating him to death (Alice Springs/Mparntwe yesterday) is a George Floyd moment. It's not an isolated incident.
ICYMI: here I am on #Pacific Beat to discuss @senatorwong.bsky.social’s recent visit to #Fiji, #Tonga & #Vanuatu www.abc.net.au/pacific/prog...
Australia's Foreign Minister wraps up Pacific tour - ABC Pacific
Over the past week, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong has visited Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, re-emphasising commitment to climate action, funding health reforms, and reviving a bilateral partners...
www.abc.net.au
May 23, 2025 at 6:56 AM
ICYMI: here I am on #Pacific Beat to discuss @senatorwong.bsky.social’s recent visit to #Fiji, #Tonga & #Vanuatu www.abc.net.au/pacific/prog...
When it comes to Australia's relationships in the #Pacific, what comes after 'listening'? More listening, better listening, listening to hear & listening to those who say things that may not be what you want to hear: www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre... Listening is a process not a product
After listening, what’s Australia’s next move in the Pacific?
Pacific governments will ultimately judge Australia on concrete actions rather than friendly gestures.
www.lowyinstitute.org
May 19, 2025 at 6:18 AM
When it comes to Australia's relationships in the #Pacific, what comes after 'listening'? More listening, better listening, listening to hear & listening to those who say things that may not be what you want to hear: www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpre... Listening is a process not a product
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
The temporary trade deal with China means that unless anything changes, tariffs on China will be lower than on at least 10 of the world's poorest countries.
My latest Substack 👇
My latest Substack 👇
The US is prioritising China over the world's poorest countries
open.substack.com/pub/dangay/p...
open.substack.com/pub/dangay/p...
The US is prioritising China over the world's poorest countries
Washington is fuelling China's rise.
open.substack.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The temporary trade deal with China means that unless anything changes, tariffs on China will be lower than on at least 10 of the world's poorest countries.
My latest Substack 👇
My latest Substack 👇
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Beyond excited to share that @cooperwilliams.bsky.social & I have published our 2nd story as part of the Walkley's Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism.
📽 by Nicolas Job & Cooper
Give it a watch here: youtu.be/61poVYSrxiw?...
#pacific #newcaledonia #kanaky #geckos
📽 by Nicolas Job & Cooper
Give it a watch here: youtu.be/61poVYSrxiw?...
#pacific #newcaledonia #kanaky #geckos
The online gecko craze turning into a conservation nightmare | The Pacific
YouTube video by ABC News In-depth
youtu.be
May 10, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Beyond excited to share that @cooperwilliams.bsky.social & I have published our 2nd story as part of the Walkley's Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism.
📽 by Nicolas Job & Cooper
Give it a watch here: youtu.be/61poVYSrxiw?...
#pacific #newcaledonia #kanaky #geckos
📽 by Nicolas Job & Cooper
Give it a watch here: youtu.be/61poVYSrxiw?...
#pacific #newcaledonia #kanaky #geckos
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
If the photo I was just shown of the coalition of MPs to topple him is real. Manele's toast.
Or, at least, he is at present. 24 minutes is a long time in Solomons politics.
Or, at least, he is at present. 24 minutes is a long time in Solomons politics.
Gordon Darcy Lilo having another crack at toppling PM Manele in Solomon Islands. Many MPs including Tovosia & Sogavare have resigned from government, meaning Manele's in trouble. But it ain't over til it's over. Manele could survive via wheeling & dealing: www.solomonstarnews.com/gnut-faces-l...
GNUT faces leadership challenge
www.solomonstarnews.com
April 28, 2025 at 11:33 PM
If the photo I was just shown of the coalition of MPs to topple him is real. Manele's toast.
Or, at least, he is at present. 24 minutes is a long time in Solomons politics.
Or, at least, he is at present. 24 minutes is a long time in Solomons politics.
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
April 17, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Thank-you @wakeinfright.bsky.social for your acknowledgement of BenarNews Pacific's important role in the region and the vacuum its absence leaves.
Very much appreciated this as the legal case and political lobbying continues to restore US Congress grant funding cut by a Trump executive order.
Very much appreciated this as the legal case and political lobbying continues to restore US Congress grant funding cut by a Trump executive order.
In Donald Trump’s America, public broadcasters have felt the full force of his swingeing cuts – it would be disastrous if the same happened in Australia.
What would – and should – happen to the ABC under the next federal government?
theconversation.com
April 10, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Thank-you @wakeinfright.bsky.social for your acknowledgement of BenarNews Pacific's important role in the region and the vacuum its absence leaves.
Very much appreciated this as the legal case and political lobbying continues to restore US Congress grant funding cut by a Trump executive order.
Very much appreciated this as the legal case and political lobbying continues to restore US Congress grant funding cut by a Trump executive order.
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
This week, #WIISA is pleased to introduce our Deputy President, Dr Shannon Zimmerman 🎉
@zimmzone.bsky.social is a Lecturer of Strategic Studies in Deakin University’s Centre of Future Defence and National Security.
@zimmzone.bsky.social is a Lecturer of Strategic Studies in Deakin University’s Centre of Future Defence and National Security.
April 11, 2025 at 12:00 AM
This week, #WIISA is pleased to introduce our Deputy President, Dr Shannon Zimmerman 🎉
@zimmzone.bsky.social is a Lecturer of Strategic Studies in Deakin University’s Centre of Future Defence and National Security.
@zimmzone.bsky.social is a Lecturer of Strategic Studies in Deakin University’s Centre of Future Defence and National Security.
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Thanks very much MEAA for your support and for your members at BenarNews in Australia. Appreciate it very much.
#MEAAmedia stands in solidarity with the journalists and staff impacted by the suspension of BenarNews, particularly those in its Brisbane-based Pacific Bureau. www.meaa.org/mediaroom/cl...
Closure of BenarNews Pacific Bureau
MEAA stands in solidarity with the journalists and staff impacted by the suspension of BenarNews.
www.meaa.org
April 7, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Thanks very much MEAA for your support and for your members at BenarNews in Australia. Appreciate it very much.
In which Mr Littleproud provides 0 information about what 'practical solutions' he & his party would offer the #Pacific to tackle climate change if they are in government: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04...
David Littleproud suggests 'practical' ways for Pacific islands to pressure China
The Nationals leader says the Coalition would work with Pacific countries to "understand their power" with regard to China.
www.abc.net.au
April 7, 2025 at 6:48 AM
In which Mr Littleproud provides 0 information about what 'practical solutions' he & his party would offer the #Pacific to tackle climate change if they are in government: www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04...
#Pacific negotiators are pushing hard - and facing serious opposition - at the IMO for a carbon levy on shipping: pacific.scoop.co.nz/2025/04/ship...
Shipping Levy Remains On Table At IMO Climate Talks
The Group of ACP+ will continue to build on its proposed text to ensure the Chairs proposed framing of the mid-term measures can deliver on the 2023 Strategy in full. 4 April 2025 A growing group o...
pacific.scoop.co.nz
April 6, 2025 at 6:34 AM
#Pacific negotiators are pushing hard - and facing serious opposition - at the IMO for a carbon levy on shipping: pacific.scoop.co.nz/2025/04/ship...
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Here's my initial thoughts on what the US tariffs mean for the least developed countries.
In sum, they amount to an attack on the world's poorest, adding more hardship and misery for already marginalised peoples.
dangay.substack.com/p/attacking-...
In sum, they amount to an attack on the world's poorest, adding more hardship and misery for already marginalised peoples.
dangay.substack.com/p/attacking-...
Attacking the world's poor
US tariffs on the least developed countries amount to an assault on already marginalised populations.
dangay.substack.com
April 5, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Here's my initial thoughts on what the US tariffs mean for the least developed countries.
In sum, they amount to an attack on the world's poorest, adding more hardship and misery for already marginalised peoples.
dangay.substack.com/p/attacking-...
In sum, they amount to an attack on the world's poorest, adding more hardship and misery for already marginalised peoples.
dangay.substack.com/p/attacking-...
For those who like a daily dose of geopolitics I recommend International Intrigue - smart layout and a concise summary of what's what around the world, written by ex-diplomats: archives.internationalintrigue.io/subscribe?re...
International Intrigue
The global affairs briefing you'll actually look forward to reading.
archives.internationalintrigue.io
April 4, 2025 at 5:07 AM
For those who like a daily dose of geopolitics I recommend International Intrigue - smart layout and a concise summary of what's what around the world, written by ex-diplomats: archives.internationalintrigue.io/subscribe?re...
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Meet this week’s #WIISA member, Dr Tess Newton Cain 🎉
@tncpacific.bsky.social is a Principal Consultant at Sustineo P/L. Along with her position at Sustineo P/L, Tess also holds a position as the Project lead at the Griffith Asia Institute, @griffith.edu.au.
@tncpacific.bsky.social is a Principal Consultant at Sustineo P/L. Along with her position at Sustineo P/L, Tess also holds a position as the Project lead at the Griffith Asia Institute, @griffith.edu.au.
April 3, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Meet this week’s #WIISA member, Dr Tess Newton Cain 🎉
@tncpacific.bsky.social is a Principal Consultant at Sustineo P/L. Along with her position at Sustineo P/L, Tess also holds a position as the Project lead at the Griffith Asia Institute, @griffith.edu.au.
@tncpacific.bsky.social is a Principal Consultant at Sustineo P/L. Along with her position at Sustineo P/L, Tess also holds a position as the Project lead at the Griffith Asia Institute, @griffith.edu.au.
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Residents of an informal Port Moresby settlement that was razed following the gang rape and murder of a woman by 20 men say they are being unfairly punished by Papua New Guinea authorities over alleged links to the crime.
LINK: www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Thank-you for your support.
LINK: www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Thank-you for your support.
April 3, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Residents of an informal Port Moresby settlement that was razed following the gang rape and murder of a woman by 20 men say they are being unfairly punished by Papua New Guinea authorities over alleged links to the crime.
LINK: www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Thank-you for your support.
LINK: www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Thank-you for your support.
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
“Facts Matter,” says Stephen Fry. “Verifiable, testable, provable facts.”
Fact checking is vital in the fight against global misinformation. This #FactCheckingDay, show your support for accurate information. Tell the world why #FactsMatter.
Fact checking is vital in the fight against global misinformation. This #FactCheckingDay, show your support for accurate information. Tell the world why #FactsMatter.
April 2, 2025 at 12:02 PM
“Facts Matter,” says Stephen Fry. “Verifiable, testable, provable facts.”
Fact checking is vital in the fight against global misinformation. This #FactCheckingDay, show your support for accurate information. Tell the world why #FactsMatter.
Fact checking is vital in the fight against global misinformation. This #FactCheckingDay, show your support for accurate information. Tell the world why #FactsMatter.
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
A landmark court conviction in PNG related to the murder of a mother-of-five accused of sorcery is being hailed as a major victory in the fight to stop such attacks and murders.
Lastest from Sue Ahearn and myself for Radio Free Asia/BenarNews’ Pacific service.
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Lastest from Sue Ahearn and myself for Radio Free Asia/BenarNews’ Pacific service.
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
April 1, 2025 at 11:41 PM
A landmark court conviction in PNG related to the murder of a mother-of-five accused of sorcery is being hailed as a major victory in the fight to stop such attacks and murders.
Lastest from Sue Ahearn and myself for Radio Free Asia/BenarNews’ Pacific service.
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Lastest from Sue Ahearn and myself for Radio Free Asia/BenarNews’ Pacific service.
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Legal immunity for security forces, vague use-of-force provisions, spying on citizens all add up to legal overreach by the PNG government, writes Michael Kabuni.
www.benarnews.org/english/comm... on Radio Free Asia/BenarNews.
www.benarnews.org/english/comm... on Radio Free Asia/BenarNews.
March 31, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Legal immunity for security forces, vague use-of-force provisions, spying on citizens all add up to legal overreach by the PNG government, writes Michael Kabuni.
www.benarnews.org/english/comm... on Radio Free Asia/BenarNews.
www.benarnews.org/english/comm... on Radio Free Asia/BenarNews.
The effects of the recent referendum are now being seen in the #Vanuatu parliament - unsurprisingly Independents are aligning with parties in the governing coalition - which is a mixed blessing for the PM: www.dailypost.vu/news/speaker...
Speaker of Parliament announces new MP affiliations, strengthening coalition parties
Speaker of Parliament Stephen Felix announced the formal affiliation of several Members of Parliament (MPs) with their new political parties in Parliament chambers yesterday morning.
www.dailypost.vu
March 31, 2025 at 12:34 AM
The effects of the recent referendum are now being seen in the #Vanuatu parliament - unsurprisingly Independents are aligning with parties in the governing coalition - which is a mixed blessing for the PM: www.dailypost.vu/news/speaker...
ICYMI: my latest piece for Benar News looks at what the upcoming Australian elections could mean for the #Pacific: www.benarnews.org/english/comm...
www.benarnews.org
March 30, 2025 at 10:35 PM
ICYMI: my latest piece for Benar News looks at what the upcoming Australian elections could mean for the #Pacific: www.benarnews.org/english/comm...
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
What’s happening??!? BenarNews this week.
- Hegseth commits US to defense of Pacific territories against China
- What Aust’s election holds for Pacific
- Tonga, Micronesia see big jump in Aust’s Pacific aid budget
- West Papua rebels kill teacher accused of spying
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
- Hegseth commits US to defense of Pacific territories against China
- What Aust’s election holds for Pacific
- Tonga, Micronesia see big jump in Aust’s Pacific aid budget
- West Papua rebels kill teacher accused of spying
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
March 29, 2025 at 12:50 AM
What’s happening??!? BenarNews this week.
- Hegseth commits US to defense of Pacific territories against China
- What Aust’s election holds for Pacific
- Tonga, Micronesia see big jump in Aust’s Pacific aid budget
- West Papua rebels kill teacher accused of spying
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
- Hegseth commits US to defense of Pacific territories against China
- What Aust’s election holds for Pacific
- Tonga, Micronesia see big jump in Aust’s Pacific aid budget
- West Papua rebels kill teacher accused of spying
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
Reposted by Tess Newton Cain
Tonga and the Federated States of Micronesia will see notable bumps in Australian foreign aid this year, while analysts say there are some indications Canberra is stepping in to fill a void left by the U.S. freeze on USAID.
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
March 26, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Tonga and the Federated States of Micronesia will see notable bumps in Australian foreign aid this year, while analysts say there are some indications Canberra is stepping in to fill a void left by the U.S. freeze on USAID.
www.benarnews.org/english/news...
www.benarnews.org/english/news...