MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce Australia will provide up to $25
million in increased assistance to rebuild the Solomon Islands' prison service
and strengthen the judiciary, as part of the Regional Assistance Mission to
Solomon Islands that is helping restore peace and stability.
The assistance will build on the Australian-funded Law and
Justice Institutional Strengthening Program which began in December 2000. This
program works in partnership with relevant Solomon Island agencies to rebuild
the police service, reform the judiciary and prisons service and improve
community-police relations.
Achievements to date include 170 new recruits in trained,
visible police presence and improved basic policing in Honiara, help clearing
backlogs in courts and a community policing policy developed and being
implemented in consultation with women and youth.
The additional assistance from Australia will allow us to work
with all parts of the judiciary in Solomon Islands. This will involve
refurbishing judicial offices, operational support and the placement of up to 30
expatriate advisers to support, train and mentor Solomon Islands magistrates,
solicitors and prosecutors. Some may take on in-line responsibilities if
necessary.
Our increased funding will enable the completion of the new 300
bed Central Prison in Honiara - alleviating the overcrowding at the current
prison and significantly increasing the capacity of the Solomon Islands prison
facilities. Australia has negotiated the recommencement of the prison
construction, which had stalled because of outstanding debts owed by the Solomon
Islands Government. The new prison will be ready to receive inmates within
months. We are also working with the prison service and provincial authorities
to re-open the prison farm at Tetere near Honiara.
Australia will also provide a range of advisers to support the
Solomon Islands prison staff and help with skills development, recruitment and
training so that the new prison will be managed effectively.
I am confident this additional assistance to the prison and
justice sector, along with a contribution from New Zealand, will help stabilise
security in the country. With an effective law and justice system, there is
greater opportunity for a government to function more effectively and for
increased investor confidence - which is essential for a return to growth and
stability in Solomon Islands.
Media enquiries: Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 62777 500 or 0419 206
890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489
Lyndall Sachs (Office of the Special Coordinator in Honiara) 0011 677
24699