The Correctional Services Solomon Islands (CSSI) Training Academy has officially received accreditation as both a Registered Training Organisation, and for its Certificate III in Correctional Practice from the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA).
This marks a significant milestone in the development of the country’s correctional services sector and reflects Solomon Islands and Australia’s joint commitment to building Solomon Islands’ sovereign training and development capability.
Over the past year Australia’s partnership with CSSI, supported through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice, has delivered several key initiatives.
In 2024, Australia handed over new armory, storage, and archive facilities to CSSI—critical infrastructure that supports the safe and effective management of correctional operations.
The successful twinning partnership between CSSI and Queensland Correctional Services has continued to thrive, enabling valuable professional exchanges and contributing to the strengthening of operational practices.
Australia has also supported CSSI-led study visits to Vanuatu and Australia, offering opportunities to learn from regional approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration.
These experiences are informing CSSI’s ongoing review of its rehabilitation framework, ensuring it remains locally grounded and regionally informed.
The SITESA accreditation of the CSSI Training Academy and its Certificate III program is the latest achievement in this collaborative effort. It underscores a shared commitment to building CSSI’s capacity to deliver high-quality correctional services and invest in the development of its workforce.
Speaking at an event to hand over official certificates of registration to CSSI, Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency. Rod Hilton said correctional services play a vital role in the broader law, justice, and security architecture of the Solomon Islands.
“They ensure accountability for offenders while providing rehabilitative environments that support reintegration into society,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“Solomon Islands, through its dedicated staff and leadership, with Australian support, have been working on this project for several years.”
“It is a testament to the hard work and persistence of those involved, and our shared commitment to supporting a safe, secure, and prosperous Solomon Islands.”
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Hon. Minister Tanangada thanked Australia for its ongoing support during his keynote address, and said that accreditation marked a transformational moment for CSSI and the government as a whole.
“The accredited training programs will not only enhance the capability of CSSI officers but will also uplift the overall standard of service delivery, safety, rehabilitation and correctional management across our facilities. This will directly contribute to better outcomes for people, safer communities, and a stronger security sector overall.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Hon. Tozen Leokana, SITESA Chief Executive Officer Constance Nasi congratulated CSSI, adding “if we are to build a resilient competent public service and correctional workforce, we must start by ensuring that our training institutions operate at the highest standard, and CSSI is now a model for others to follow.”
Australia remains committed to working in partnership with the Solomon Islands to advance the strength and sustainability of its law, justice, and security institutions.
– AHC
Photo caption: SITESA CEO Constance Nasi hands over registration certificate to Minister Tanangada and Commissioner Forau
