Defence & Diplomacy: Australia says Papua New Guineans will begin serving in the Australian Defence Force under the Pukpuk Treaty, with recruitment ramping to “thousands” over the decade; Deputy PM Richard Marles will also travel to Solomon Islands to meet PM Matthew Wale and open Australia’s Western Border Outpost in the Shortlands. Health & Safety: Opposition leader Matthew Wale warns the government to take a “zero risk” approach as repatriation flights could bring the delta variant, calling for clearer quarantine preparations and ongoing risk analysis. Disaster Response: Bad weather continues to hamper cyclone relief in Western Province, delaying sea travel for NGOs and forcing repeated postponements as strong wind warnings remain in place. Local Development & China Ties: Western Province reaffirms its relationship with China, while Small Malaita receives SBD100,000 for boats and an engine to improve rural sea transport to services. Economy & Governance: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo tells Parliament debt remains within safety limits as supplementary spending is sought, with real growth revised to 3.5% driven by mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries. Football: SIFF backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA withdraws its Forward Enterprise proposal; locally, S-League Round 8 fixtures are set at Lawson Tama Stadium. Infrastructure: Honiara International Port upgrade moves into the next phase for International Berth 1, including marine piling support works.