On Thursday 13 February, Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton hosted the Acting Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia and other dignitaries at the ‘G’day 2025!’ function to usher in another year of strong partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
While Australia works in every province and across nearly all sectors, High Commissioner Hilton highlighted economic growth, education and security as priorities in 2025.
High Commissioner Hilton acknowledged that Australia was Solomon Islands’ number one security partner.
He reflected on Australia’s commitment to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, as announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in December 2024.
This commitment represents Australia’s biggest security contribution since the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
As part of Australia’s support for a stronger Solomon Islands’ humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capability, High Commissioner Hilton reiterated the commitment made by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles during his visit in January 2025 to partner with Solomon Islands to establish a new warehousing precinct in Honiara.
As Solomon Islands’ number one economic partner, High Commissioner Hilton said that Australia is focused on creating jobs for Solomon Islanders in every program Australia delivers.
“I’m proud to say that since 2021 we have created over 27,300 jobs – for Solomon Islanders and in Solomon Islands through our infrastructure projects, labour mobility, and by partnering with local businesses.
“We know that the private sector is the engine of growth which is why we’ve partnered with over 100 local businesses to help them grow local jobs, diversify their products, access new markets, and grow this country’s trade and economy.”
In a special announcement, High Commissioner Hilton said that that remittances from seasonal workers had almost doubled since 2023, and was now a record SBD 431 million in 2024.
The High Commissioner said he was very proud of the achievement as a true testament to the hard work and ingenuity of Solomon Islanders.
Over 8,500 Solomon Islanders have now travelled to Australia for work through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
On education, High Commissioner Hilton said Australia has supported over 11,190 Solomon Islanders to get an education, undertake training and gain qualifications.
“Australia is helping young people in Solomon Islands get the skills they need to prepare them for work at home and abroad.
“In 2025, we will fund over 500 scholarships for Technical Vocational Education and Training qualifications, building critical skills across agriculture, tourism, education, and health.”
Australia will also offer another 100 Australian Awards scholarships to Solomon Islanders for long- and short-term training in Australia. Applications are open until 31 March.
Australia looks forward to an even stronger partnership with Solomon Islands in 2025.
- AHC
