Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands

The Australian Government will provide funding of $165.1 million in 2004-05 for the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

Funding includes $66.7 million for AusAID to assist the Solomon Islands Government implement a comprehensive reform agenda to improve the accountability and affordability of government. Priorities for reform are economic governance, rebuilding the machinery of government and strengthening the legal and judicial sector.

The allocation also includes $4.5 million to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Office of the Special Coordinator which provides leadership for the Regional Mission and for additional staff at the High Commission in Honiara to provide back-up services to RAMSI.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will receive $93.9 million to maintain operations and further build the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police to uphold law and order.

RAMSI, with Australian personnel drawn from the AFP and the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Finance, Treasury and Defence, has been helping the Solomon Islands Government restore law and order and rebuild the country’s institutions and economy.

Australia, through the development cooperation programme, will also provide assistance to Solomon Islands in support of peace building, community development and delivery of essential services, particularly in health. Estimated Official Development Assistance to Solomon Islands in 2004-05, including the additional funding for RAMSI, will total $201.6 million.

RAMSI began its work in July 2003 at the Solomon Islands Government’s request and includes personnel from New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu, Cook Islands and Nauru.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02-6277 7500, Nicole Guihot (Departmental) 02 6261 1555