Journalism can be one of the most dangerous occupations. Even for those not dodging bullets in war zones. World Press Freedom Day is an appropriate time for media organisations like the ABC - and the wider public - to contemplate the terrible sacrifices made by reporters around the world in carrying out their daily work.

(Press release – 31 March 2010)

Production of plantation-grown whitewood and sandalwood is set to increase in Vanuatu as a result of a new Australian Government-funded forestry project that is to develop and distribute faster growing trees with higher quality timber to boost grower returns and export income.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu, Pablo Kang, and Vanuatu Minister for Agriculture, Quarantine, Forestry & Fisheries, the Hon. Steven Kalsakau, signed off on the new project on 31 March 2010.

High Commissioner Kang said “Australia is very pleased to support initiatives like this, which aim to boost Vanuatu’s exports.  Achieving higher exports for Pacific nations is also the objective for the PACER Plus trade negotiations.  This sandalwood improvement program is one which we are implementing in our own indigenous communities in Cape York in far north Queensland to provide long-term financial and social stability”.

(Government Press Release)

The Vanuatu Government wishes to issue this statement in light of the Coroner's Report on the Inquest into the death of late John Bule and also in light of comments made in the media relating to this matter.

The Government acknowledges the findings made by the Coroner and is concerned that allegations of criminal conduct have been identified in the Coroner's report.

It is paramount to the considerations of the Government that the rule of law must prevail in all its application. This includes addressing and/or reviewing current processes that deal with the maintenance of internal security, the need to harmonise that notion with rights prevailing upon the person, particularly in the area of detainee retention, the constitutional safeguard of the right to innocence until proven guilty and the apprehension of offenders of the criminal law of Vanuatu.