Politok
Politok explores the behind-the-scenes realities of Pacific politics and how they affect people across the region. Host Scott Waide speaks with leaders, public servants, aid workers, academics, and everyday citizens. The show unpacks major questions and shares stories that often go unheard.
Episodes
Slimy gold: Pacific governments struggle to manage lucrative sea cucumber trade
In this episode of Politok, host Scott Waide and ABC Radio Australia explore the future of the Pacific's lucrative sea cucumber (beche-de-mer) trade, one of the region's most valuable marine exports.Can governments strike a balance between sustainability and profit?Or is the sea cucumber doomed to disappear from the Pacific sea floor?
Pacific Cannabis: Will a budding industry go up in smoke?
From medicinal cannabis in Vanuatu to hemp production in Fiji and new ventures in Guam, governments are eyeing a lucrative new market.But with regulatory hurdles, legal uncertainty and industry growing pains, can cannabis deliver on its economic promise for the Pacific?In this episode of Politok, host Scott Waide and ABC Radio Australia explore the Pacific's emerging cannabis ind
'Selling our identity': Inside the Pacific’s 'golden passports'
Why are Pacific nations selling citizenship, and who benefits? In this episode of Politok, hosted by Scott Waide for Radio Australia, we explore the growing trade in "golden passports". From Vanuatu, where passport sales have become a major revenue source, to Naoero, which hopes to fund climate resilience projects through citizenship sales, we examine who is buying, who profits
Sea cucumbers, marijuana and golden passports: New season of Politok drops
How can Pacific countries rebuild in the aftermath of devastating cyclones?In Vanuatu’s case, it was turning to the “golden passport” scheme in the wake of Cyclone Pam in 2015 – and it generated more than 35 per cent of the government’s total revenue at its height.Welcome to the new season of Politok, which pulls back the curtain and ask the big questions like:Why are governments
Billion dollar Pacific tuna industry under threat as climate change heats up ocean
Tuna like Pacific waters for its temperature but as global warming heats up the ocean the valuable fish are forecasted to flee.
US President Donald Trump's second term shakes Pacific aid and climate advocates
Scientists and climate activists chart a path forward after the aggressive start to US President Donald Trump's second term.
Tourism has exploded in Cook Islands so how does it balance welcoming the world and not destroying its way of life?
Conservationists and tour operators are concerned that the balance between tourism dollars and the environmental impact on Cook Islands is being tested.
Fijian politician Lynda Tabuya's private video and public dismissal
On Christmas Eve 2024 Lynda Tabuya found out a private video she had made for her husband was circulating on social media. She was soon dismissed from her cabinet role in Fiji's government.
Are Papua New Guinea's cyber laws helping or harming?
In 2024 activist Eddie Tanago re-shared a Facebook post and soon found himself being questioned at a police station charged under the country's Cyber Crime Act.His case has people questioning whether these laws are keeping Papua New Guineans safe or if they being abused and used for intimidation?Talent:Eddie Tanago, Act Now Campaign ManagerMarc Cebreros, United Nations Human Righ
Why are Papua New Guineans being kept in the dark?
The constant blackouts in Papua New Guinea damages business and puts hospital patients at risk.
Why is the Pacific’s medicine supply so sick?
Basic medicines like paracetamol and antibiotics are hard to come by in many Pacific countries leaving doctors and patients struggling under the strain of sickness.
Politicians celebrate PNG's NRL deal — but who really benefits?
Rugby league fans across Papua New Guinea were thrilled when Australia and PNG struck a historic deal for a PNG team to enter the NRL in 2028.Australia will contribute AUD$600 million to the deal but in a country where infrastructure is failing, and the health system is in crisis some question whether the money could be put to better use.Talent:Michael Marum. Governor of PNG's Ea
How Pacific university students took climate change to the world’s highest court
Vishal Prasad was a law student at the University of the South Pacific when he heard about a group that was planning to take the issue of climate change to the International Court of Justice. More than five years later he tells the story of how he and his fellow students teamed up with Vanuatu’s government to call for climate justice at the ICJ.Talent:Vishal Prasad, Campaign dire
Inside Papua New Guinea's secret political refugee crisis
Each election cycle in PNG sparks conflicts and tribal violence leading to mass displacement of thousands of people around Papua New Guinea, but especially in the highlands. You'll hear from a journalist who borne witness to this violence, a human rights advocate walking alongside the refugees, and a police commissioner trying to negotiate peace.Talent:Rebecca Kuku, PNG Journalis
The day the taro stopped growing
When Palau's giant swamp taro began rotting from the inside out, it sent a warning far beyond one island. In this episode ABC Radio Australia's Politok show Scott Waide follows Pacific women farmers and scientists as they uncover how climate change, saltwater intrusion and colonial food systems are putting the region's food security at risk. From taro pits to gene banks, this is
Detention dollars: Inside Nauru's economic revival
After losing it all, Nauru is rich again. But at what cost?
Cracks in the seawall: Do global development models fit the Pacific?
In the pantheon of development aid in the Pacific, the World Bank is one of the most recognisable names. For decades it has channelled billions of dollars into the region funding bridges, roads, climate adaptation projects and critical services.But across its 50-year relationship with the Pacific, there have also been moments of friction. From poverty data that didn't reflect liv
The power of the church in Pacific politics
When faith moves from the pulpit into parliament, what happens to democracy in the Pacific?
Equal Work, Unequal Pay: Inside PNG's Dual Wage System
A colonial-era pay system still shapes who gets ahead, and who gets pushed out, in Papua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea is racing to adopt Artificial Intelligence as concerns grow over access, jobs and data
PNG's leaders are betting on AI to transform government, but can the country leapfrog into the future without leaving people behind?
World War Two shipwreck graveyards a 'ticking timebomb' for Micronesia's water
Beneath the turquoise waters of Chuuk Lagoon lies a graveyard of World War Two shipwrecks, rusting hulks still packed with oil, quietly breaking down and threatening disaster for the communities above.In this episode of ABC Radio Australia's Politok show, host Scott Waide investigates how a war the Pacific never chose has become a ticking environmental time bomb, and why Pacific
Cost of COFA: Broken promises from veteran's care to nuclear justice (Part 2)
As a new phase of the Compact of Free Association comes into force, the Marshall Islands' Foreign Minister is speaking out about what the deal has really delivered and what remains unfulfilled.In this episode of Politok on ABC Radio Australia, Minister Kalani Kaneko lays bare the gaps in veterans' care, the unfinished business of nuclear justice, and why Marshallese leaders say W
The cost of COFA: Marshallese veterans and America's war machine (Part 1)
For decades, Marshallese men and women have fought in America's wars under the Compact of Free Association, a military partnership that some veterans believe is unequal.Russell Langrine, a former U-S Marine, is now forced to live thousands of kilometres from home just to access veterans' care and he's questioning whether COFA ever truly delivered on its promises.This edition of P
Breaking the spell: Can PNG end sorcery violence?
In pockets of Papua New Guinea when whispers of sorcery ripple through a village often a vulnerable woman is attacked and killed. It sounds like a barbaric system from ages past, but research shows it's a modern problem.In 2015 the PNG government put together a national plan to stop sorcery related violence, but the problem is getting worse, and survivors say the burden rests on
The day the taro stopped growing
When Palau's giant swamp taro began rotting from the inside out, it sent a warning far beyond one island.
Detention dollars: Inside Nauru's economic revival
After losing it all, Nauru is rich again. But at what cost?
Cracks in the Seawall
From successful road projects to cracked seawalls Scott Waide examines the evolving relationship between the Pacific and the World Bank.
The power of the church in Pacific politics
When faith moves from the pulpit into parliament, what happens to democracy in the Pacific?
Equal Work, Unequal Pay: Inside PNG's Dual Wage System
A colonial-era pay system still shapes who gets ahead, and who gets pushed out, in Papua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea is racing to adopt Artificial Intelligence as concerns grow over access, jobs and data
PNG's leaders are betting on AI to transform government, but can the country leapfrog into the future without leaving people behind?
World War Two shipwreck graveyards a 'ticking timebomb' for Micronesia's water
Eighty years after World War Two ended the Pacific is still living with its most dangerous legacy.
Cost of COFA: Broken promises from veteran's care to nuclear justice (Part 2)
As a new phase of the Compact of Free Association comes into force, the Marshall Islands' Foreign Minister is speaking out about what the deal has really delivered and what remains unfulfilled.In this episode of Politok on ABC Radio Australia, Minister Kalani Kaneko lays bare the gaps in veterans' care, the unfinished business of nuclear justice, and why Marshallese leaders say W
The cost of COFA: Marshallese veterans and America's war machine (Part 1)
For decades, Marshallese men and women have fought in America's wars under the Compact of Free Association, a military partnership that some veterans believe is unequal.Russell Langrine, a former U-S Marine, is now forced to live thousands of kilometres from home just to access veterans' care and he's questioning whether COFA ever truly delivered on its promises.Talent List:Russe
Breaking the spell: Can PNG end sorcery violence?
In pockets of Papua New Guinea when whispers of sorcery ripple through a village often a vulnerable woman is attacked and killed. It sounds like a barbaric system from ages past, but research shows it's a modern problem.In 2015 the PNG government put together a national plan to stop sorcery related violence, but the problem is getting worse, and survivors say the burden rests on
New season of Politok: Tackling sorcery, religion and dual wage systems to the US and COFA
From sorcery-fuelled violence in Papua New Guinea to the unfinished business of nuclear testing under COFA, on the new season of Politok Scott Waide digs into the forces shaping lives, power, and politics across the Pacific. This season we travel to the Federated States of Micronesia to investigate leaking warships and modern oil spills, unpack the legacy of the World Bank, explo
Billion dollar Pacific tuna industry under threat as climate change heats up ocean
Tuna like Pacific waters for its temperature but as global warming heats up the ocean the valuable fish are forecasted to flee.
US President Donald Trump's second term shakes Pacific aid and climate advocates
Scientists and climate activists chart a path forward after the aggressive start to US President Donald Trump's second term.
Tourism has exploded in Cook Islands so how does it balance welcoming the world and not destroying its way of life?
Conservationists and tour operators are concerned that the balance between tourism dollars and the environmental impact on Cook Islands is being tested.
Fijian politician Lynda Tabuya's private video and public dismissal
On Christmas Eve 2024 Lynda Tabuya found out a private video she had made for her husband was circulating on social media. She was soon dismissed from her cabinet role in Fiji's government.
Are Papua New Guinea's cyber laws helping or harming?
Activist Eddie Tanago expresses concern about PNG's cyber crime laws after enduring stressful court case.
Why are Papua New Guineans being kept in the dark?
The constant blackouts in Papua New Guinea damages business and puts hospital patients at risk.
Why is the Pacific’s medicine supply so sick?
Basic medicines like paracetamol and antibiotics are hard to come by in many Pacific countries leaving doctors and patients struggling under the strain of sickness.
Politicians celebrate PNG's NRL deal — but who really benefits?
Australia is giving Papua New Guinea AUD$600 million for an NRL team but some question whether it should go to health and education.
How Pacific university students took climate change to the world’s highest court
From Vanuatu to The Hague this is the story of how Pacific students teamed up with Vanuatu’s government to call for climate justice at the ICJ.
Inside Papua New Guinea's secret political refugee crisis
Each election cycle in PNG sparks conflicts and tribal violence leading to mass displacement of thousands of people around Papua New Guinea.
Inside the relationship between West Papua and The Melanesian Spearhead Group
The Pacific's peak Melanesian body is caught delicate international politics and a desire to support human rights in the face of West Papua's independence struggle
Donors spend billions of dollars on Pacific projects – but how effective are they?
In Solomon Islands, a multimillion-dollar stadium gifted from China sits unused and will cost the country money to maintain. So how effective are donor projects for Pacific people?
Dancing politicians and viral messages: How social media is changing the Pacific political landscape
In 2024 during protests in New Caledonia pro-independence youth harnessed the power of Tik Tok to show the world what was happening.
Palau's President reveals how he created a viral moment at COP26
What goes on behind the scenes of big climate change meetings and how much of that talk becomes action?
The long wait for Bougainville's independence
Bougainville politician Francesca Semoso 'frustrated' as Bougainville waits for PNG to ratify its independence decision.
Why does the Pacific have so many votes of no confidence?
Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands are the countries that use the political mechanism the most — so what actually happens and what does it mean for Pacific democracy?
Pacific musicians face threats and harassment for using songs to tell political messages
PNG musician Anslom Nakikus and West Papuan singer Lele speak to the power of music in politics and protest songs.
Theonila Matbob survived a civil war and is now reshaping her parliament to help women
Politician Theonila Matbob has survived war and tragedy. She's used her strength and experience to defy harassment and make her mark as a leading female politician.
Professor Pal Ahluwalia didn't think of himself as a whistleblower. Then a group of men came for him in the middle of the night
Despite facing harassment, deportation, and intimidation this Vice-Chancellor risked it all to expose mismanagement, but says more protections are needed.
Tonga's volcanic eruption cracks open fault lines of fly-in fly-out aid culture
The Pacific has a strong aid culture of fly-in and fly-out experts, but what would happen if there was a shift to locally-led aid, and is it possible?
