Future Reclaimed for Solomon Islands

This weekend marks the first anniversary of one of Australia's most ambitious and successful foreign policy enterprises.

One year ago, the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) began deployment at the invitation of the Solomon Islands Government and under the auspices of the Pacific Islands Forum.

All Australians, and especially the men and women of RAMSI, can be proud of the enormous progress made in restoring peace and security to Solomon Islands.

No one underestimated the challenges facing RAMSI. Law and order had collapsed and the economy had contracted sharply. The Solomon Islands Government was subjected to intimidation and conditions for most Solomon Islanders were bleak.

Now the situation is remarkably different. RAMSI and Solomon Islands police, supported by RAMSI military personnel, have restored security and the rule of law. Almost 4000 firearms have been collected and destroyed and nearly 3000 arrests made. Most of those responsible for the worst crimes in the 1998-2000 period are behind bars awaiting trial.

Government finances have been stabilised. Health and education services are being provided. Public servants are being paid on time. There are signs of economic recovery and the return of confidence and optimism.

Yet there can be no doubt that difficult challenges still lie ahead. RAMSI is now working with the Solomon Islands Government to improve governance and accountability, and reinvigorate the economy. This will be a long-term task.

Prosperity for Solomon Islanders will only come from a growing economy supported by strong institutions. Although we have a come a long way in twelve months, there is a still a long way to go. I have no doubt that Solomon Islanders will remain resolute and accept the difficult but necessary reforms ahead.

I commend the Governments and personnel from the nine Pacific Islands Forum countries - Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu - who have contributed to RAMSI's success. This has been a truly regional response to a regional problem.

I also pay tribute to the magnificent contribution made by the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police in helping give Solomon Islands a new beginning. Their efforts, and those of a range of other Australian government agencies, have been exemplary.

RAMSI could not, of course, have advanced this far without the support and cooperation of the Solomon Islands Government, Parliament and people who, apart from being main beneficiaries, are also the key contributors.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500 - Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555