Education Funding Clash: PM Matthew Wale defended GREAT’s free education plan as a poverty-proofing measure, but Opposition MPs pressed for full costings and financing details, with Wale saying the detailed costing will come to Parliament in December and that the “Speech from the Throne” is not the appropriation bill. Budget Process Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee paused MID’s supplementary budget review after figure mismatches between MID submissions and the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, ordering reconciliation with the Ministry of Finance before it proceeds. Economic Outlook: CBSI Governor Dr Luke Forau told PAC that growth should improve later in 2026 and pick up in 2027, with 2027 projected around 3.7%, while warning El Niño and global oil risks could hit exports. Mining & Power Reform: Government outlined a sliding-scale gold royalty system linked to global prices, plus new export verification labs, a “No Pay, No Ship” rule, and plans to cut electricity costs via renewable investment. Local Infrastructure Boost: In Small Malaita, Ou’oumatawa received a $190,000 CDF-funded 2-ton tipper truck to improve emergency access, farming logistics, and links to schools, health services and markets. Regional Trade & Connectivity: Australia-backed work means all Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cable networks, supporting digital access for businesses and governments. Regional Security Tensions: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying consensus was blocked by two members.