New Funding For Solomons Peace Mission

The Australian Government will provide funding of $840.5 million over four years for the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

This funding is an important commitment by the Australian Government and will meet the aspirations of Solomon Islanders for long-term certainty of the RAMSI package of assistance. Disbursement of these funds clearly relies on continuing support for RAMSI from the Solomon Islands Government and continuing efforts by the Solomon Island Government to implement difficult and complex reforms.

Funding will enable us to continue our assistance to the Solomon Islands Government in the restoration of law and order and to support broad-ranging reforms. It will provide for the ongoing rebuilding of the law and justice system, including reforming the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and pursuing economic, governance and public sector reforms.

The Government will provide $15.1 million over four years to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - the lead agency - to continue its coordination role in Honiara for this whole-of-government effort.

The Government will provide $537.9 million over four years to the Australian Federal Police to continue the policing activities which have made such significant progress since RAMSI's deployment in 2003. AFP funding will support transition to self-reliance by the Royal Solomon Islands Police, help provide safe and secure communities and develop an efficient, effective and sustainable law-enforcement capacity.

AusAID will receive funding of $282.2 million over four years to support a strengthened programme of assistance in law and justice administration, economic and financial management, machinery of government reform and provincial development. Priorities will include supporting the Solomon Islands Government in the conduct of high-profile criminal trials, improving the capacity of the prison system, addressing corruption, expanding economic growth including improving rural livelihoods and service delivery to provincial areas, and building capacity in economic, fiscal and public sector management.

RAMSI assistance will complement assistance already flowing through Australia's bilateral aid programme in areas such as health and rural development, including new community-level initiatives and support for peace-building activities.

Funding of $5.2 million over four years for the Australian Customs Service will enable RAMSI to increase its focus on helping Solomon Islands maintain border security and integrity.

Media inquiries : Ministerial 02 6277 7500, DFAT Media Liaison 02 6261 1555