Advertise on podcast: Politok

In this episode of Politok, host Scott Waide and ABC Radio Australia explore one of the Pacific’s most pressing climate challenges: relocation.   As climate change threatens Pacific communities, relocation is increasingly becoming a reality. But moving people means finding new land - or creating it.   In a region where land shapes identity, culture and political power, what could climate relocation mean for land rights, leadership and the future of Pacific societies?

Politok pulls back the curtain on what goes on behind the scenes in Pacific politics.

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 industry. This episode includes excerpts from FBC and KUAM News.

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, and what is at stake. We have made a correction to this episode. In the original episode, we stated the Vanuatu government had revoked Andrew Tate's citizenship. This was incorrect. On September 25, 2026, the Vanuatu Citizenship Office denied the report, and Andrew Tate's citizenship has not been revoked. The episode has been updated to reflect this.

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 banning the lucrative sea cucumber trade? And there’s an emerging cannabis industry in the Pacific – can it deliver on its economic promise, or will it go up in smoke? Join host Scott Waide on Radio Australia’s for another season of Politok, which goes beyond the headlines.

Tuna like Pacific waters for its temperature but as global warming heats up the ocean the valuable fish are forecasted to flee.

Scientists and climate activists chart a path forward after the aggressive start to US President Donald Trump's second term.

Conservationists and tour operators are concerned that the balance between tourism dollars and the environmental impact on Cook Islands is being tested.

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.

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 Manager Marc Cebreros, United Nations Human Rights Advisor for PNG Belinda Kora, ABC Journalist Neville Choi, President of the Papua New Guinean Media Association Presenter: Scott Waide This edition of Politok was a repeat of the program broadcast on 10 June 2025

The constant blackouts in Papua New Guinea damages business and puts hospital patients at risk.

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.

Australia is giving Papua New Guinea AUD$600 million for an NRL team but some question whether it should go to health and education.

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.

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 Journalist Ruth Kissam, President Advancing PNG Women Leaders Joseph Tondop, Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Highlands Western End Presenter: Scott Waide This edition of Politok was a repeat of the program broadcast on the 6th of May 2025