Labour rights shock: Timor-Leste worker Denizio Martin Soares says a PALM farm job in rural NSW left him with just $1,500 savings after five months, alleging he was made to work only half his visa tenure and repay major travel and accommodation costs. Budget update: Dili’s Council of Ministers approved a first amendment to the 2026 state budget, adding about US$101.1 million to reach roughly US$2.39 billion to cushion rising international fuel prices and other listed costs. Climate warning: A UN report urges Timor-Leste and neighbours to prepare for El Niño returning by mid-2026, with drought and health risks still possible even as strength remains uncertain. Regional integration: Trade Minister Nino Pereira highlighted Timor-Leste’s WTO accession in 2024 and full ASEAN membership in 2025 at the ADB-World Bank Trade Forum in Bangkok. Health research: Ochsner’s pediatric cardiologist Dr. Craig Sable was named a principal investigator in a $15m American Heart Association initiative, with partners including Timor-Leste, targeting earlier detection of rheumatic heart disease.