Australia announces the deployment of additional AFP and ADF personnel under the SIAF arrangement to assist RSIPF ensure a safe and secure Sol2023 Pacific Games
AROUND 100 additional Australian Federal Police (AFP) personnel will be deployed to Solomon Islands as part of Australia’s support to the country to host a safe and successful Sol2023 Pacific Games.
The additional deployment of AFP officers was requested by Solomon Islands Government as Solomon Islands hosts one of the region’s biggest events, bringing together about 5,000 athletes, officials and support staff from 24 Pacific teams, in Honiara from 19 November to 2 December.
The additional AFP personnel will join more than 50 colleagues already in Solomon Islands as part of the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF).
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will supplement this deployment to support the SIAF, with 350 personnel who will assist in security, logistics and other support roles.
The AFP and ADF personnel will work under the leadership of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) alongside partners from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Zealand, to support a safe and secure event.
Under Australia’s Pacific Games Partnership, almost $17 million in direct support will leave a lasting legacy in Solomon Islands, including upgrades to seven schools and deeper ties with Australian sporting institutions.
Australia has a long-term commitment to sports development in the Pacific and we are pleased to be assisting Pacific athletes and sporting institutions from across the region.
Australia will be represented by a 75-strong team, that will compete in events including athletics, archery, boxing and weightlifting. Some competitions are qualifying events for the Paris Olympics for some sports.
The Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, “Australia and Solomon Islands have a deep and enduring history, and we’re proud to continue working together under our Bilateral Security Treaty, and with Pacific partners, to support the hosting of a safe and secure Pacific Games.
“The additional AFP and ADF deployment build our longstanding security partnerships across the Pacific.”
The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said, “The Pacific Games demonstrates the shared love of sport across the Pacific.
“We hope that the Games will be an inspiration for people of all ages, gender and those with disability, to enjoy and participate in sports across the Pacific.”
Australia’s Acting Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said, “Building on the AFP’s long-standing and well-established partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, the AFP has been working closely with the RSIPF to build capability ahead of the Pacific Games to deliver a safe and successful event.
“We are proud to have the AFP supporting this significant event, standing side-by-side with not only the RSIPF, but police counterparts from other Pacific countries including Papua New Guinea.”
The Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy said, “The Games’ theme of ‘Challenge, Celebrate, Unite’ will bring together athletes and communities, as we celebrate the achievements of the Pacific’s sporting talent.
“I thank and congratulate Solomon Islands for hosting this important event which brings us together both on and off the field.”
Australia’s Minister for Sport Anika Wells said, “The Pacific Games will be a brilliant exhibition of athleticism, inclusion and competition and provide another example of how our journey to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is about more than just Australia.
“We wish all athletes and the organisers a successful Pacific Games.” Meanwhile, PNG’s additional deployment of police officers has arrived in Honiara last week.
