MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Sullivan
I am pleased to announce that two Australian police advisers have arrived in the Solomon Islands to help the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIP) improve their operations.
The Australian Government has engaged the advisers as part of Australia's ongoing assistance in the areas of law and order, and national security.
Senior Sergeant Ken Gunn of the South Australia Police and Craig Ewers from Victoria, will provide specialist police management advice.
Senior Sergeant Gunn has worked in a similar capacity with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
This project complements Australia's assistance to the Solomon Islands Government's Policy and Structural Reform Programme. During my visit in July this year the Solomon Islands Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the RSIP with help from Australia.
My visit also gave me the opportunity to reaffirm Australia's strong friendship and support for the Solomon Islands, one of our nearest neighbours, at a particularly difficult time.
The Australian Government has provided $560,000 since June for humanitarian relief for people displaced by the recent ethnic tensions on Guadalcanal.
Media contacts:
Judi Nixon (Mrs Sullivan's office) 07 5591 1011 / 0411 287 258
Matt Francis (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489