Nauru government

“If current media reports are indeed true about the ABC being denied entry to Nauru to cover the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Summit in Nauru, we appeal to the Government of Nauru to rescind its decision and allow ABC journalists to cover this meeting in September.

“This is the highest political gathering where our regional leaders, as well as regional media, look forward to attending every year.

Justice Minister David Adeang said the ruling was surprising, given that the legislation committed to provide all defendants with legal representation in a similar way to many other democratic nations.

“The legislation passed by Parliament recognises the importance of due process and provides for every person charged with a criminal offence to have representation by way of a public defender, at no expense to them.

RNZ reports the decision comes after Emma Garo had sentenced three people who had pleaded guilty to various charges laid in connection with an anti-government protest 17 months ago.

The government is understood to be upset at what it sees as both the lenient sentences and the granting of bail by Ms Garo.

Earlier this year in parliament, Justice Minister David Adeang had warned judges to be careful about being what he considered too lenient, suggesting their contracts may not be renewed.

More than a thousand people are living in Nauru as part of Australia's immigration detention program.

The planned amendment to Nauruan law was opposed by government MPs in Nauru's parliament, despite being approved by cabinet.

Former opposition Mathew Batsiua said that government would have needed to consult more thoroughly even if the intentions were to apply to the asylum seekers in Nauru.  

ABC reports that ultimately the laws would have prevented pregnant asylum seekers and refuges from travelling to Australia or other countries like PNG to receive abortion.

It was clear that these children were coached, and that the entire process of filming the refugees was stage-managed, as the program has not been to Nauru. Despite this, viewers could clearly see that the refugees featured were well dressed, well-groomed and healthy. We know they will say anything to influence the Australian Government to bring them to Australia - a goal that motivated them to pay large amounts of money to people smugglers – which includes making false claims against the Nauruan people.

Last week, the Guardian published more than 2000 leaked incident reports filed by staff at the camps detailing the assaults, sexual abuse, self-harm attempts, child abuse and living conditions endured by the inmates in the camps.

Human rights groups say the camps must close immediately, and there is pressure now for a senate inquiry in the Australian federal parliament.

RNZI reports the parliament has met today for its first time following the general election on Saturday.

Cyril Buraman, one of the members for Anetan/Ewa, has been voted in as the new Speaker.

In the Aiwo constituency, where voting was put off until Monday after a legal dispute, Milton Dube and Aaron Cook have taken the two seats.

Communications Minister Shadlog Bernicke said the opposition knows that Nauru TV and radio has a long standing policy of not airing political advertising from either side, and that no Government MP has done any election promotion on local media. 

The ABC reported one of Australia's biggest banks told the Nauru government it will no longer do business with it or any of its entities.

The bank, Westpac, has also told its Australian customers who do business with the Nauru government that they will have to close their accounts by the end of the month.

RNZ International understands the Australian bank has written to the country's government asking to end their years-long relationship over several concerns about the use of the accounts.

The decision will not affect regular cutomers who make banking transactions to Nauru.