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Nationwide Ticketing Access Expanded Through Post PNG’s Trusted Branch Network | PNG Air Ranks 3rd in Regional On-Time Performance | Phasing Out of the Dash 8 and New ATR Fleet Era Begins PNG Air, Papua New Guinea’s People’s Choice Airline, today officially relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, expanding access to airline ticketing services through Post PNG’s trusted nationwide branch network. The event, held at the Post PNG Brian Bell Plaza outlet in Gordons, brought together two of Papua New Guinea’s most recognised state-linked institutions in a shared commitment to serving the people of this nation. For PNG Air, the People’s Choice Airline, this partnership is not just a business arrangement. It is a promise kept — a promise to keep Papua New Guineans connected to opportunity, essential services and one another, no matter where they are in this great nation. THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE, CONNECTING OUR PEOPLE As Papua New Guinea’s People’s Choice Airline, PNG Air has always believed that air travel should be accessible to all Papua New Guineans, not just those in major centres. Today’s relaunch of the PNG Air and Post PNG partnership turns that belief into action, making it easier for people across the country to purchase tickets from trusted, familiar Post PNG locations close to where they live, work and travel. The first phase of the rollout begins in Port Moresby, with PNG Air ticketing now available at the following Post PNG locations: • Post PNG Head Office – Konedobu • Eliseo Shopping Centre – Rainbow • University of Papua New Guinea Campus • Tabari Place – Boroko • Waterfront Shopping Centre – Konedobu • Eliseo Shopping Centre – 9 Mile • Brian Bell Plaza – Gordons Over the coming weeks, the rollout will expand nationwide across Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Southern Region Post PNG locations, bringing the People’s Choice closer to the people in every region of Papua New Guinea. Post PNG Chief Executive Officer Justin Worinu said the partnership reflects Post PNG’s responsibility as a state entity to serve all Papua New Guineans. “As a state entity, it is our responsibility to ensure we continue to create important partnerships and bring access closer to our people. Providing services to our people is what our business focuses on, and with this PNG Air partnership we are excited to grow from strength to strength," Worinu said. PNG Air Chief Executive Officer Brian Fraser said the People’s Choice Airline is proud to make travel more accessible for every Papua New Guinean. “At PNG Air, everything we do starts with our people. As the People’s Choice Airline, our focus is not just on getting passengers from one destination to another. It is about making travel easier, more accessible and more convenient for the people of Papua New Guinea. By working together with Post PNG, we are bringing that promise to life through a network that communities already know and trust," Fraser said. PEOPLE’S CHOICE: BUILT ON RELIABILITY, SAFETY AND CONNECTION The People’s Choice title is one PNG Air earns every day. The airline currently ranks 3rd among Oceania’s major airlines for on-time performance, alongside carriers such as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines, reflecting its unwavering commitment to the three pillars that define PNG Air: reliability, safety and keeping our people connected. For PNG Air, being the People’s Choice is about more than a name. It is a daily commitment to every passenger who boards a PNG Air flight, to every community the airline serves and to every Papua New Guinean who relies on dependable air services to access healthcare, business, education and family. GROWING FOR THE PEOPLE: NEW FLEET, NEW CHAPTER PNG Air is in an exciting period of expansion. New aircraft are arriving, routes are growing and services are deepening, all in service of the People’s Choice promise to keep Papua New Guineans connected. Most recently, Mangi Kutubu completed its maiden flight, adding to a growing modern fleet that reflects the confidence being placed in PNG Air and in Papua New Guinea’s aviation future. With this growth also comes a farewell. In the coming weeks, the People’s Choice Airline will begin phasing out the beloved Dash 8, an aircraft that has faithfully connected Papua New Guineans for decades. It has earned its place in the nation’s aviation story, and PNG Air bids it a fond and grateful goodbye. Its retirement makes way for a modern fleet built to meet the standards and expectations of today’s passengers and those of tomorrow. Looking ahead, PNG Air remains committed to strengthening connectivity across the country through strategic partnerships, continued investment and a growing fleet designed to serve Papua New Guineans well into the future. “We are proud to be the People’s Choice. Aviation plays a vital role in connecting communities, supporting business, improving access to services and creating opportunities for growth. Through partnerships like this one with Post PNG, and through our continued investment in our fleet and network, we can keep delivering meaningful outcomes for the people of Papua New Guinea. This is who we are. This is what we do," Fraser said.

K92 Mining has reported encouraging results from its maiden greenfields exploration program at the Wera prospect in Papua New Guinea, where work has defined a large low-sulphidation epithermal gold system approximately 10 kilometres southwest of the company's Kora and Judd deposits. The company said the Wera system, first announced in September 2025, extends over an area measuring approximately 3.5 kilometres by 3.5 kilometres and lies within the same major north-north-east regional mineralised structural corridor that hosts the Kora, Judd and Arakompa deposits. According to K92, the system remains open along strike in both directions, highlighting its potential for further expansion through ongoing exploration. The prospect was identified through a combination of MobileMT airborne geophysical survey data and a review of historical exploration information. Exploration activities at Wera commenced in July 2024, initially focusing on rock chip sampling and trenching programs. The company has since advanced the project to the drilling stage, with drilling currently underway. Rock chip sampling has returned a number of high-grade gold results, including assays of 26.30 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 25.06 g/t gold, 23.97 g/t gold, 22.06 g/t gold, 19.69 g/t gold, 19.23 g/t gold, 18.40 g/t gold, 18.03 g/t gold, 16.05 g/t gold and 13.83 g/t gold. The Wera prospect forms part of K92's broader exploration strategy within the Kainantu district, one of Papua New Guinea's most prospective gold-copper regions. The update comes as K92 continues to expand its operations at the Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province. In its recently released 2025 Sustainability Report, the company highlighted the successful commissioning of its new 1.2-million-tonnes-per-annum Stage 3 expansion processing plant during what it described as a landmark year for the business. K92 said it invested US$18 million in exploration activities in Papua New Guinea during 2025 and plans to increase exploration spending to between US$31 million and US$35 million in 2026. The company said the planned investment is intended to support continued growth across its exploration portfolio. The miner also reported employing approximately 2,150 employees and permanent contractors in Papua New Guinea at the end of 2025, with total workforce numbers, including temporary contractors and casual workers, reaching about 3,100. Papua New Guinean nationals accounted for approximately 91% of the operational workforce. K92 said it spent US$161.8 million on procurement from Papua New Guinea companies during 2025, representing 52% of its total annual procurement expenditure, while taxes and royalties paid or accrued in the country reached US$139.2 million. The company also invested US$33.1 million in local joint ventures and reported ongoing progress on its first Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme project, with the Konkua-Bilimoia road upgrade reaching 35% physical completion by the end of the year. At its Kainantu operations, K92 reported zero reportable environmental incidents during 2025 and said it continued work on hydropower improvements and solar farm engineering studies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company said exploration drilling at Wera will continue as it seeks to further define the scale and continuity of mineralisation within the newly identified gold system. K92 operates the Kainantu Gold Mine and is engaged in the production of gold, copper and silver, as well as the exploration and development of mineral deposits in the immediate vicinity of the mine, including the Blue Lake copper-gold porphyry project.

Fiji’s fuel supply remains stable despite mounting global price pressures, with the government moving to cushion households and key sectors from rising costs, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said. In a national address, Rabuka said Fiji currently holds about 45 million litres of fuel in onshore storage, with a further 22 million litres expected before the end of April, bringing total supply for the month to roughly 67 million litres. Daily consumption stands at about 2.5 million litres. He said stock levels are projected to fall to around 40 million litres, or 29 percent of storage capacity, by month-end — a normal cycle to accommodate incoming shipments. Looking ahead, suppliers have committed to deliver about 118 million litres in May, which is expected to lift national reserves to more than half of total capacity, keeping the country in what authorities classify as a “Phase 1” or normal supply condition. Rabuka stressed that Fiji is not facing a supply shortage but rather a price-driven challenge linked to global market disruptions, including tensions in the Middle East and shipping constraints around the Strait of Hormuz. Domestic price adjustments, he noted, are determined by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to reflect international purchasing costs, with another increase expected in May. To mitigate the impact, Cabinet has approved the redeployment of FJ$56 million within the existing 2025–2026 budget, shifting funds from delayed projects to immediate relief measures. The government has earmarked FJ$4 million to support bus operators, including absorbing a 10 percent fare increase for four months and providing a fuel rebate of 20 cents per litre to maintain affordable public transport. Fuel subsidies will also be extended to power utility Energy Fiji Limited to ensure stable electricity generation, while social welfare recipients will receive a temporary 50 percent top-up for three months starting May. In the agricultural sector, FJ$28 million has been allocated to support sugar cane farmers through a price top-up for the 2025 crop season. Rabuka said all measures will be funded through internal budget savings, alongside cost-cutting directives across government agencies. “Fuel is available. Government is acting. And Fiji is prepared,” he said, urging citizens to conserve fuel and energy amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has called for greater financial support for Pacific renewable energy transitions, describing the shift away from imported fuel as an economic security strategy rather than a climate concession. Speaking at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank, or ADB, in Samarkand, Brown said Pacific Island countries remain highly exposed to global fuel price shocks and supply disruptions due to dependence on imported energy. “The Pacific energy transition is not a climate concession. It is an economic security strategy. The same investments that lower our emissions also lower our exposure to the next global shock,” Brown said in his Governor’s Statement. Brown said the Cook Islands was working closely with the ADB on financing solutions aimed at strengthening energy security and accelerating renewable energy development across Pacific Island countries. “The Cook Islands is working closely with the ADB on financial solutions that support security of supply for Pacific Island countries, and that fast-track our energy transition to renewables,” he said. The prime minister said the financing initiatives would support renewable energy projects across the Pa Enua, including solar farms, battery storage systems and electricity grid upgrades aimed at reducing long-term reliance on imported fuel. Brown also highlighted domestic conservation measures currently underway in the Cook Islands, including coordination work led by the Energy Response Technical Working Group involving government agencies, the tourism sector and communities. “Conservation is a real lever. Every litre saved is fuel for our hospital, our schools, our airports,” he said. During the meeting, Brown urged the ADB to expand innovative financing tools for Pacific small island developing states, including blended finance, climate-linked financing mechanisms and local currency debt conversion measures to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risks. He said concessional financing access for Pacific states should continue to reflect vulnerability to economic and climate shocks rather than income levels alone. “Graduation thresholds were not designed for economies that can lose a year of gross domestic product in a single cyclone, or absorb a global energy shock with no domestic substitute,” Brown said. Brown also welcomed the ADB’s developing work on critical minerals and called for Pacific small island states to be actively included in related initiatives. The prime minister said the Cook Islands currently generates just over 30 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources and aims to increase that figure to 60 percent by 2030. “We will use this period to push our renewable energy goals harder, not slower,” Brown said.

A high-level European Union delegation has held talks with Solomon Islands' supervising minister for fisheries and marine resources, Franklyn Derek Wasi, on potential support for the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project in Malaita Province. The discussions focused on the strategic importance of the project and opportunities for cooperation in advancing a key Solomon Islands government initiative aimed at expanding domestic tuna processing capacity and increasing the economic benefits derived from the country's fisheries resources. The delegation included Maurizio Cian, European Union for the Pacific minister counsellor and head of cooperation; European Union Ambassador Barbara Plinkert; and Peteris Ustubs, director for Asia and the Pacific at the Directorate-General for International Partnerships. According to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the European Union's interest in the project has grown since initial engagements last year. EU representatives previously visited the proposed Bina Harbour project site and Fiu to assess the project's scope and development potential. The latest visit, led by Ustubs, signals continued European interest in exploring partnership opportunities and potential support for the project. The ministry said it has also been engaging with the European Investment Bank, which has expressed interest in supporting major infrastructure developments in Solomon Islands. The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant is among the projects being considered for potential financing support. Wasi welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the European Union's continued engagement with the project. The proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant is intended to become Solomon Islands' second tuna processing facility and forms part of broader efforts to increase domestic value addition in the country's fisheries sector. Government figures show that approximately 100,000 metric tonnes of tuna are harvested annually within Solomon Islands waters. However, only around 30,000 metric tonnes are processed domestically, while the remaining 70,000 metric tonnes are exported as whole fish. The government believes increasing local processing capacity would create employment opportunities, stimulate economic activity and enable Solomon Islands to capture a greater share of the value generated from its tuna resources. To support this objective, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has been tasked with advancing onshore tuna processing infrastructure. Through the Bina Harbour Project Office, the ministry has undertaken preparatory work since 2015, including land arrangements, infrastructure planning, environmental management, community engagement and investment promotion. The Bina Regional Arrangements for Governance continues to oversee work related to land access, community relations and environmental matters, while the project's Planning and Design Unit is responsible for land and marine infrastructure planning and investment development. The European Union delegation is also expected to meet Deputy Prime Minister Francis Sade, Finance and Treasury Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo, Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Minister Derrick Manuari, and Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Minister Lazarus Rina during its visit. The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant is regarded by the Solomon Islands government as a strategic investment designed to support sustainable economic development and long-term growth in the fisheries sector.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Mathew Wale and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have announced plans to negotiate a comprehensive treaty aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and setting a long-term framework for cooperation between the two countries. The announcement was made during a joint press conference in Canberra, where the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen relations based on mutual trust, respect and open dialogue. Under the agreement, the two governments will begin negotiations on a treaty designed to capture their shared ambitions and long-term vision for the Solomon Islands–Australia relationship. Foreign ministers, working in consultation with relevant government portfolios, have been tasked with leading the negotiations and progressing the treaty as quickly as possible. The treaty initiative was accompanied by a package of measures supporting Solomon Islands' development priorities in areas including budget support, education, migration and policing. Australia will provide SBD$200 million (AUD$35 million) in budget support to assist Solomon Islands in responding to the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila and addressing challenges arising from global energy price shocks. In education, Australia will double the number of training and vocational scholarships available to Solomon Islanders to 1,500 by 2027. Australia also pledged to work with partners in support of the Solomon Islands government's objective of achieving free education. The two countries also agreed to expand migration opportunities, with the number of Pacific Engagement Visas allocated to Solomon Islands increasing to 300 in the next programme year. Security cooperation remains a central pillar of the relationship, with both governments welcoming continued collaboration to strengthen the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. This includes plans to complete a new police academy in Honiara by 2028 and continue cooperation through the next phase of the RSIPF–Australia Policing Partnership Programme. The announcements mark one of the first major foreign policy initiatives under Prime Minister Wale's administration and signal a renewed focus on strengthening ties with Australia, Solomon Islands' largest development partner. Prime Ministers Albanese and Wale said they were optimistic that the expanded cooperation would deliver long-term benefits for both countries and further strengthen the enduring partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia.

Fiji has enacted its first comprehensive tourism legislation, replacing the Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973 with a broader regulatory framework aimed at supporting the long-term growth, governance and sustainability of one of the country’s most important economic sectors. The Tourism Bill No. 10 of 2026 was passed into law on May 28, establishing the new Tourism Act 2026, which introduces updated provisions covering tourism enterprise registration, national tourism standards, sustainability and compliance measures, and protections for indigenous and cultural knowledge. The legislation also seeks to strengthen participation by communities and micro, small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector, which remains a major contributor to employment, foreign exchange earnings and rural development in Fiji. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka said the new law reflects the transformation of Fiji’s tourism industry over recent decades and aligns with the government’s broader tourism development strategy. “Over the last 20 years, Fiji has doubled its visitor numbers. Our communities are more deeply involved in tourism than ever before, and the expectations of travellers and investors alike have changed significantly. It is time our laws reflected that reality,” Gavoka said. Fiji now receives close to one million visitors annually, supported by a wide network of hotels, resorts, tour operators and community-based tourism experiences, including hiking, camping and short-term accommodation platforms such as Airbnb. The previous legislation governing the sector dated back to the 1970s, when Fiji’s tourism industry was significantly smaller and less diversified. The enactment of the Tourism Act also follows broader government efforts to strengthen tourism and aviation as central pillars of Fiji’s economic development strategy. Earlier this year, Gavoka told Parliament that the ministry’s tourism development approach is guided by the “Five A’s” of tourism growth — access, accommodation, attractions, amenities and actors — aimed at ensuring infrastructure, investment and community participation work together to expand the sector. Among the key initiatives under the strategy is the World Bank-supported Na Vualiku Tourism Development Programme, which seeks to unlock tourism potential in Vanua Levu through airport upgrades, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for local businesses. Runway upgrades at Labasa Airport are expected to improve connectivity and boost investor confidence in Fiji’s northern region, while tourism development is also being expanded in maritime and rural areas, including the Lau group. The Tourism Act 2026 also builds on earlier policy work by the government, including the Fiji Tourism Policy 2025–2035 and the Fiji Tourism Standards Framework Guidance Note, which were introduced as part of preparations for Fiji’s first dedicated tourism law. Officials previously said the policy and standards framework would help establish clearer expectations around quality, sustainability, safety and service across the tourism industry while supporting responsible and inclusive growth. The proposed framework is also expected to streamline tourism-related licensing, create greater consistency across regulations and clarify the roles of the Tourism Department and Tourism Fiji. According to the government, the Tourism Act 2026 was developed through consultations with industry representatives, community groups, government agencies and tourism operators across the country. “This legislation did not happen overnight,” Gavoka said. “It was shaped by the voices of communities, operators, and stakeholders from across the country.” The Hotel and Guest Houses Act 1973 will be formally repealed once the new Tourism Act comes into force on a date to be determined by the minister. The government said the new framework is intended to support sustainable tourism development while strengthening industry oversight and aligning the sector with current market expectations and investment trends.

  Since being signed in October 2025, the ‘U.S.-Australia Framework for Securing Supply in the Mining and Processing of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths’ (“Framework”) has gained momentum against the backdrop of intensifying global competition for strategic resources. The initiative reflects a broader structural shift: critical minerals are no longer simply commodities, but are increasingly becoming instruments of economic security, industrial policy and geopolitical leverage. At its core, the Framework seeks to integrate two resource-rich, politically aligned jurisdictions into a more resilient supply chain for minerals essential to defence systems, semiconductors, electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure. It aims to do so by incentivising cross-border investment, accelerating permitting and facilitating preferential offtake arrangements. From a policy standpoint, the Framework aligns with parallel efforts such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and Australia’s Critical Minerals Strategy, each designed to reduce dependence on concentrated supply sources and to “friend-shore” production capacity. In practical terms, the Framework may unlock access to U.S. government-backed financing, including through the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. and the U.S. Department of Defense’s industrial base programmes, materially improving project bankability. For developers and investors, this signals opportunity. However, history — and recent arbitration trends in the mining sector — suggest a more complex reality: geopolitical stability at the macro level often masks heightened instability at the project level. Indeed, the acceleration of capital deployment, compressed development timelines and increasing politicisation of resource allocation are all well-established catalysts for disputes. Where disputes are likely to emerge 1. Native title and land access pressures A significant proportion of Australia’s critical mineral deposits are located on or near land subject to Indigenous rights and cultural heritage protections. The consultation and consent requirements under the Native Title Act 1993 are rigorous, and for good reason. However, where projects are fast-tracked under strategic imperatives, tensions inevitably arise. Recent experience across the mining sector shows that insufficient consultation or procedural shortcuts can trigger injunctions, heritage disputes and long-tail reputational harm. From a disputes perspective, these conflicts are increasingly hybrid, combining domestic administrative litigation with contractual and investor-State dimensions. 2. Joint venture and offtake fragility in volatile markets Critical minerals projects are capital-intensive and often structured through complex joint ventures and long-term offtake agreements. These arrangements are particularly vulnerable in environments of price volatility and shifting policy incentives. As seen in lithium and rare earth markets over the past five years, divergence between contracted prices and spot markets can become extreme. This creates fertile ground for disputes over: • price review and hardship clauses**;** • force majeure and “change in law” provisions**; and** • operator control and capital allocation decisions. Where projects are strategically significant, these disputes may escalate quickly, with broader political or regulatory implications. 3. Regulatory complexity and judicialisation of approvals Australia’s regulatory landscape, spanning federal regimes such as the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act and a patchwork of state-based mining and environmental laws, remains inherently complex. The addition of a “strategic project” designation does not eliminate this complexity; it may, in fact, intensify scrutiny. Third parties, including environmental NGOs and local communities, are increasingly sophisticated and willing to challenge approvals through judicial review mechanisms. This trend mirrors developments in other jurisdictions, where expedited approvals tied to energy transition goals have been successfully contested, delaying projects and increasing costs. 4. Export controls and sovereign reallocation risk The Framework itself is non-binding and operates within a fluid geopolitical environment. Export controls, domestic reservation policies or shifts in alliance priorities can materially alter the commercial assumptions underpinning a project. Investors structuring projects around anticipated U.S. demand or preferential access may face realignment risk if political priorities shift. This raises complex questions around: • stabilisation clauses**;** • sovereign interference**; and** • potential recourse under investment treaties. Recent ISDS jurisprudence demonstrates that resource nationalism, particularly in strategic sectors, continues to generate high-value claims, often centred on indirect expropriation and fair and equitable treatment standards. A structural observation: ESG as shield and sword An emerging dynamic worth highlighting is the dual role of ESG considerations. On the one hand, ESG compliance is increasingly positioned as a prerequisite for access to financing and market entry under frameworks like this one. On the other, ESG obligations are being invoked by States as a regulatory justification in disputes. This creates a paradox: ESG can operate both as a shield for States and as a sword for claimants, particularly where regulatory measures are inconsistent, disproportionate or applied retrospectively. Conclusion: Strategic alignment, legal complexity The U.S.-Australia Framework represents a sophisticated attempt to align industrial policy with geopolitical realities. It will likely accelerate investment and unlock significant value across the critical minerals supply chain. But for project developers, investors and financiers, the key takeaway is clear: the risk profile is evolving, not diminishing. Careful attention must be paid to: • contractual risk allocation (particularly around price, force majeure and regulatory change); • dispute resolution mechanisms (including the selection of the arbitral seat, governing law and enforcement strategy); and • the interaction between domestic regulatory frameworks and international investment protections. For project developers, investors, offtake counterparties and financiers active in Australia’s and/or the US’s critical minerals sectors, careful attention should be given to contractual terms in light of the rapidly changing regulatory environment which, in some respects concerning the Framework, remains undefined. In short, the next phase of the critical minerals boom will not only be defined by “big deals”, but also by increasingly complex, high-stakes disputes.   Ryan Cable, Partner (Brisbane), and Diora Ziyaeva, Partner and U.S. Region Co-Lead in Mining and Natural Resources (New York), are members of Dentons’ global International Arbitration and Investment Treaty Arbitration groups. They advise clients across the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors on project development, joint ventures, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.

Westpac is making a significant investment in strengthening leadership capability across its Pacific businesses with the rollout of its best-in-class LEAD program in Papua New Guinea and Fiji this year, delivering training to 120 employees across the two markets. LEAD is Westpac Group’s flagship leadership development program focused on building future-ready leaders through experiential learning, coaching, and strategic capability uplift. The LEAD program is designed to build practical leadership capability, equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and mindset required to lead teams, support customers, and contribute to Westpac’s long-term success in the Pacific. The program will be delivered through in-person training sessions supported by online modules, ensuring the learning is relevant, grounded in local context, and immediately applicable in day-to-day roles. By delivering the program locally, Westpac is enabling participants to learn alongside peers, strengthen networks across the business, and apply leadership learning directly within their teams and communities. The world-class format also supports deeper engagement, discussion, and reflection, reinforcing Westpac’s commitment to investing in meaningful, high-quality development experiences for its people. The program covers: • Leading Self – building self-awareness, confidence, and personal leadership effectiveness • Leading Others – developing strong people leadership, communication, and coaching skills • Strategic Thinking – strengthening decision-making and broader business understanding • Leading Change – equipping leaders to navigate change and lead with agility • Customer & Outcome Focus – linking leadership behaviors to customer and business outcomes • Pacific Context Application – applying leadership skills in real-world PNG and Fiji settings Maria Stefanac, Head of People, Pacific, said the LEAD program represents a significant investment in Westpac’s Pacific workforce. “LEAD is a major investment in our people in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. We know that strong leadership is critical to creating a positive culture, delivering for our customers, and building a sustainable business for the future,” Stefanac said. “This program has been designed to support our people to grow as leaders, build confidence in leading others, and develop skills they can apply immediately in their roles. By having Westpac Group trainers deliver the program here in the Pacific, we’re ensuring our leaders benefit from global expertise while learning in a way that is relevant, practical, and grounded in local context," she added. Stefanac said the program also reflects Westpac’s broader commitment to developing talent from within and creating clear pathways for growth and progression. “Investing in leadership capability is an investment in our future. Through LEAD, we are supporting our people to step into leadership roles, strengthen their impact, and continue to serve our customers and communities with confidence," Stefanac said. Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141. The liability of its members is limited. Westpac is represented in Papua New Guinea by Westpac Bank - PNG - Limited. The LEAD program forms part of Westpac’s ongoing focus on capability building and people development across the Pacific, recognizing that empowered, well-supported leaders play a critical role in driving strong performance, engagement, and customer outcomes. By continuing to invest in programs such as LEAD, Westpac is reinforcing its long-term commitment to its people in Papua New Guinea and Fiji and to building leadership capability that supports sustainable growth across the region.

Customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will gather in Fiji this week for the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation, focusing on strengthening border security, facilitating trade and supporting economic growth across the region. The conference, to be held from June 2 to 4 under Fiji's chairmanship of the Oceania Customs Organisation, will bring together heads of customs agencies, senior government officials, development partners and international organizations under the theme, "Scaling Up the Commitment of Customs to Protect and Grow our Pasifika Communities." The meeting comes as Pacific nations face increasing pressure from transnational organized crime, shifting trade patterns and growing demands on border management agencies. According to organizers, discussions will focus on enhancing regional cooperation and building customs capabilities to address emerging security and trade challenges. Recent large-scale narcotics seizures across the Pacific have highlighted attempts by organized criminal networks to exploit maritime and aviation routes across the region. Customs administrations also continue to confront risks linked to human trafficking, illicit financial flows, customs fraud, environmental crimes and the smuggling of prohibited goods. OCO Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Udit Singh, said customs agencies play a critical role in protecting communities while supporting economic development. "Customs today is far more than a border agency. We are guardians of our communities, facilitators of trade, protectors of government revenue, and partners in economic growth," Singh said. "The work of Customs directly impacts the prosperity, safety, and resilience of our Pacific nations." Singh said Pacific countries, despite being geographically dispersed, face common challenges that require collective action and stronger regional partnerships. "The scale and complexity of modern border threats mean that no country can address these issues alone. Regional cooperation is essential. When one Pacific border is strengthened, the entire region becomes safer and more secure," he said. He noted that the Pacific occupies an increasingly strategic position within global trade and transport networks linking Asia, Australasia and the Americas, making effective customs administration critical to regional and international security. The conference will feature contributions from international partners including the World Customs Organization, the United Nations and the World Bank. Key agenda items include border security, maritime enforcement, trade facilitation, passenger processing, digital transformation, leadership development and intelligence-sharing across Pacific jurisdictions. During Fiji's tenure as OCO chair, the organization has prioritized regional capacity building, leadership development, customs modernization and stronger partnerships with international agencies. Organizers said these initiatives have helped strengthen customs administrations across the Pacific and improve their ability to respond to emerging threats and opportunities. This year's gathering marks the first time in more than a decade that Fiji has hosted the OCO Annual Conference, reflecting the country's continued role in regional customs cooperation. Members of the Oceania Customs Organisation include Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Palau, Timor-Leste and other Pacific jurisdictions.