At its closest point the distance between Australia and the Solomon Islands is just under two thousand kilometres.
Being so near is why Canberra is so worried about the deals the small Pacific nation is signing with China. It means the once inconceivable idea of a Chinese military base being built right on our doorstep has become a very real possibility.
And now there’s another potential threat that must be considered. Beijing is also cosying up to Papua New Guinea, a country of immense strategic significance.
As Tom Steinfort reports, at its closest point PNG is less than five kilometres from us.
Reporter: Tom Steinfort – Producers: Garry McNab, Sheree Gibson
FEELIN’ ALRIGHT
As brash and bold as most New Yorkers are, few can pull off the swagger quite like Billy Joel. Even fewer can match him for talent.
It might be difficult to believe, but the Piano Man has been belting out hits and performing sold-out concerts for five decades now. That makes him an undisputed rock ’n’ roll legend. However, as Liz Hayes discovers, these days there’s something different about Billy.
No one needs to worry – he’s still in the mood for a melody, and he’s definitely still got us feelin’ alright. But Billy Joel has also had a rather remarkable transformation.
Reporter: Liz Hayes – Producers: Madeleine Apps, Renee Hudson
