Pacific Security Pact: Australia and Vanuatu signed a sweeping economic and security agreement in Canberra that bars any foreign military base on Vanuatu soil, amid concerns China is seeking a permanent presence; the deal also includes greater Australian economic support for Vanuatu. Infrastructure Corruption Watch: A corruption-fighting barrister says alleged wrongdoing in Victoria’s $109bn Big Build should be referred to police and renewed calls for a royal commission are growing after reporting on alleged CFMEU infiltration, extortion claims and inflated costs. Hospitality Expansion: Capella Hotel Group appointed Feisal Jaffer as chief development officer to drive global growth, aiming to double its portfolio by 2030. Coal Royalties Gap: NSW faces about $3bn in coal royalties expected, raising the question of how the state will replace the revenue as the energy transition accelerates. AI & Data Centres: Firmus Technologies and Nvidia plan a 360MW AI data centre campus in Indonesia, expected to be operational by early 2027. Markets/Policy: Australia’s under-16 social media ban is set to face tougher enforcement, with regulators seeking more power and higher penalties for non-compliance.