Discussion to progress the implementation of the new flagship Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Police Academy was held on Thursday 18th December in Honiara.
Senior officials from the Solomon Islands and Australian Governments came together for the talks.
The Police Academy will provide modern facilities and advanced training programs to prepare the RSIFP’s growing police force.
Australia will focus its support on ensuring the Academy is fit for purpose, built to a high standard, and tailored to Solomon Islands’ needs and priorities.
The Academy is targeted for completion in time for Solomon Islands’ 50th anniversary celebrations in July 2028.
The Police Academy is a key element of the Solomon Islands-led RSIFP Expansion Initiative, agreed between Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in December 2024, one of Solomon Islands’ most significant bilateral security undertakings.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September this year, where they announced the start of design work for the Police Academy.
Hon Jimson Tanangada, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, opened the meeting, emphasising the RSIPF Expansion Initiative and the Police Academy’s critical role in national security and stability.
Minister Tanangada directed the officials gathered to be guided by five principles – national ownership, holistic capability development, sustainability and value for money, partnership and alignment, and institutional resilience.
“We are facing many challenges, such as population growth and transnational crime, and to meet these changes in the country we need to rapidly grow the RSIPF,” Minister Tanangada said. “This meeting marks the transition from policy to implementation – we will need to work constructively on policies and capabilities that meet Solomon Islands’ security requirements.”
The meeting was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Karen Galokale, and Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel.
Discussions focused on translating the high-level commitments made by both Governments into practical progress, with the Police Academy as the first major deliverable.
Speaking at the meeting, Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said Australia’s role as Solomon Islands’ foremost security partner was to help the country achieve the security goals it had set for itself.
“We will work alongside you, support your decision-making, and help you build sovereign capability that keeps Solomon Islanders safe,” Acting High Commissioner Schloeffel said.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from both governments, including key figures from the Ministry of Police, RSIPF leadership, and Australian officials. Officials are expected to continue to meet regularly to monitor implementation of the project.
– AHC
