Comments

Interesting articles, but as in all matters to do with Pacific statistics, proceed with some caution. A lot of this analysis hinges on the commonly promoted idea that what happens in the Forum Island countries is an adequate surrogate for describing the South Pacific as a whole. But which countries are left out? There are a number of "non-independent" countries in the region that receive a lot of "non-ODA" assistance. Recognising that Australia is by far the largest ODA donor in the Pacific probably needs to be balanced by a better appreciation that it is not just ODA that the Pacific has become dependent on. The total quantum of other forms of subsidy from France, the US and the EU into the region is also considerable. But the growth in South Pacific dependence on ODA is certainly worth commenting on, in its own right. As is the substantial decline in per capita aid to PNG over time.

To clarify on point 5, the cap for the SWP does increase on a yearly basis up until 2016. A document that emerged from a Senate debate has been forwarded to us and reveals that the cap for FY 2012-2013 is in fact 2,000 not 1,600 as suggested. The number of places scheduled for FY 2013-2014 is 2,500; 3,250 in FY 2014-2015 and 4,250 in FY 2015-2016. However, this eventual cap of 4,250 is still approximately half of New Zealand's annual cap under the RSE scheme.

Jonathan Shultz, There is no personal attack on you meant meant in my response. My comments are purely to debunk a) your argument that Prof. Jon Fraenkel had been somewhat incorrect in some of his analysis of the Fiji situation and b) your comment that there appears to be a 'consistent' acceptance or something similar to how Bainimarama is going about his reforms in Fiji. I quote your comments "after three weeks just spent in Suva, Ovalau and Taveuni where I found a fairly consistent opinion that went along the lines of ‘We don’t much care for how Bainimarama is going about it but we like what he is doing and we definitely prefer him to the previous government.’". To this end, I disagree with you for the reasons outlined already. Lastly, you ask for my full name. I had opted not to give it but it meant that this forum will not publish my comments as I had replied last night and they have not appeared. So here it is with my full name which may mean nothing to you or others reading my comments.

These are all good suggestions and we will be following with interest to see which if any of them are progressed. An additional issue was identified in a recent 'in brief' item published by the State, Society & Governance in Melanesia programme - focusing on how improved cross-cultural communication can add to the value of the SWP - it is available here: http://ips.cap.anu.edu.au/ssgm/publications/in-brief-series

Thanks for your constructive comments Samanunu but no thanks for your personal attacks. First, the '#' does not link to any Fiji government website but to my own comment on this blog. Go on, check it. I don't know where you got that one from, but it does you no credit to associate me with the Fiji government. Similarly your claim about '[my] hero, the Island-coconut dictator'. Complete nonsense. Unlike you, Samanunu, I am posting here under my real name, which you may google and discover who I am. Maybe you would like to reveal a bit more about who you are, on top of what one can guess from your choice of name on this blog. If you would like to debate the facts then let us continue, but if you continue to make irrelevant and inaccurate personal attacks then this will be my final post.

I think it is not a good idea to integrate AID agency to the ministry. It actually loses its independence. They have done a good job. This can be seen in many countries graduating to developed or financially well off countries. AUSaid have also done as a independent agency exceptionally good work. They have many times supported innovative work. They should continue to be independent. Shiv Khare

Jonathan S thank you for your comments. You are entitled to your views, no doubt, the beauty of living in a democratic ‘free space’ which is so absent in Fiji. Note, whatever has been said in your discussions with people in Taveuni are said, to perhaps, just please you in the event you pen-it/click your key board as you have just done here. Interestingly, i just noted there's "#" sign against your name which links to Fiji Govt.Election link. Does that mean anything to you? I am curious to know the type of people you spoke with i.e racial background etc. Remember, Fijians i.e Indigenous & Ethnic Indians have two views when it comes to issues as such let alone others. Fijians [Indigenous] are known to say ‘yes’ to everything a visitor asks more so if you represent power & authority, when in reality they mean ‘No’. That bit you don’t know and perhaps you need to rethink your conversations and the current situation in Fiji. It is under an un-elected military government. As for your question on election and how Bainimarama will perform, that's another long story. But in short, he is the current dictator in Fiji if you have not figured that one out. Electronic voting is being planned. Strict ID is required to register.Rural Fijians and citizens living in highlands and outer islands may not carry any form of id. Approx 533,553 citizens have registered to date. Bainimarama is now challenging all that he is focused on this group of registered voters. What happens to the rest of approx 367,447 that have not registered. Those from Rural Villages and Rural small scale farmers i.e sugar cane etc who may not have any form of id, what happens to their votes? Electronic Voting is said to take place only in a day with no ballot paper or if there is there will only be a large one with 100 or more would-be politicians listed. Some questions; 1. Who will be behind these electronic gadgets? 2. Who are the IT personnel overseeing these or engineering the whole process? 3. How authentic will the results be if these so called IT expert do not tamper with votes? 4. Or will Bainimarama be transparent enough and give out in gory details those monitoring the machines behind the scenes? These are the details that looks dodgy and given the current repressive and dodgy manner/process, the results looks very likely to be doomed and may very well favour your hero, the Island-coconut-dictator.

Thank you Samanunu, and thank you too Jon for the chance to have a calm discussion. Samanunu, I think you exaggerate what I was claiming. I certainly met people who spoke against the military government and especially the abolition of the GCC. I was simply paraphrasing a position that I heard more often. That doesn't mean that I take it at face value - there are certainly explanations other than that people genuinely do think that the military government is doing good. I wonder if I could ask you a question - what do you think the chances are of Bainimarama succeeding in ensuring that he gets the vote when the election comes (to use your words)?

Yeah, just saw that on the ABC. Following Canada and New Zealand too. Big changes.

Well it seems the DFAT-isation is complete! If today's The Age is correct - AusAID has been absorbed into DFAT.

Thank you for your comment Mel, I absolutely agree -- men and women need to work together on this issue. There was a lot of interesting content in this report, too much to fully explore in just one blog post. The report also made note of the points you raise in its findings and recommendations, particularly on the need to change social norms related to the acceptability of violence and the subordination of women. It also emphasized the need to reframe masculinities so that men don't feel that violence equates to manliness. Socially constructed gender identities on both sides contribute to GBV, so having both men and women advocates is vital to push for change. White Ribbon is a fantastic initiative, thank you for sharing the information about it here. Ashlee

Ashlee Thank you for sharing this very important discussion. I have been a White Ribbon Ambassador for some time and taking a stand for the elimination of violence against women in all its forms is fundamental. What I believe is also important to keep in the forefront of this discussion is that we all need to work together, men and women, and that we need to also take a stand against acts that may not appear as damaging as physical/sexual violence yet are signifincant elements of GBV... inappropriate comments, dominant/power behaviours and so on are all aspects of violence against women that should never be committed, tolerated or excused. Not all men are bad... but all men can make a difference by taking a stand to make a difference and eradicate this most damaging aspect of inequality. If you would like to know more about White Ribbon, you can view <a href="www.whiteribbon.org.au" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Mel Dunn