Pacific Beat

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape will head to Bougainville today, to discuss the way forward after the region's independence referendum.

The former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern, who oversaw the historic referendum in Bougainville, has praised officials and voters who overcome the incredible logistical challenges to ensure a successful referendum on independence — but he believes Bougainville is not yet ready for full sovereignty.

Australia is being urged to partner up with China more, to deliver joint aid in the Pacific — rather than see itself in competition with the Asian powerhouse.

Amnesty International is urging the Solomon Islands government to protect the rights of villagers on Wagina Island as the Minister of Environment considers an appeal to mine bauxite there, despite community objections.

Most victims in the Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption in New Zealand, were tourists looking for adventure and spectacular photo opportunities. It is an experience also offered in Pacific countries like PNG and Vanuatu, and the tragedy has led to some questioning the safety of volcano tours.

On the program: Nearly 98 per cent of Bougainville's population say yes to independence from PNG - putting the pressure on the PNG government which doesn't want to see Bougainville secede, and the anti-government protest group, the Nauru 19, have been found guilty of rioting and unlawful assembly in retrial, a defendant tells the ABC.

Bougainville has voted overwhelmingly to seek independence from Papua New Guinea, with nearly 98 per cent in favour of autonomy.

On the program: The result from Bougainville's independence referendum is likely to be announced today and we hear from voters on the ground in Buka, and the New Zealand deadly volcanic eruption puts the spotlight on the risks of adventure tourism, with the death toll now at six.

The way Australia spends its foreign aid is up for review — and the Pacific is likely to benefit. Aid groups have welcomed the new policy review but they warn the Australian Government that it still at risk of becoming "irrelevant" to the Asia-Pacific region if it doesn't increase the amount of aid spending.

A top immigration official has been locked out of his office, and replaced amid a cloud of controversy over the awarding of a security contract on Manus Island