MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
The Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus, is in
Honiara today to see first-hand the progress made since arrival of the Regional
Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Mrs Gallus says she is greatly encouraged by the positive reception given to
the Australian-led Mission, and reaffirms Australia's development assistance to
Solomon Islands will be sustained and long-term.
'Expanded development assistance provided as part of RAMSI is building on
existing aid activities. This assistance is being developed and implemented in
partnership with the Government and people of Solomon Islands,' Mrs Gallus
said.
'An important first step is helping Solomon Islands improve its economic
management and stabilize the country's financial systems. This work is vital if
Solomon Islands is to improve investor confidence and achieve sustainable
economic recovery.
'RAMSI has placed key experts and advisers to work with the Solomon Islands
Government in areas such as budget, audit, expenditure control, treasury, Inland
Revenue and customs', Mrs Gallus said.
While in Honiara, Mrs Gallus is meeting with some of the Australian advisers
working in the Ministry of Finance, visiting the upgraded Tetere Prison Farm,
and meeting with Solomon Islands Chief Justice, Sir John Muria.
'The other vital area that we are working closely with Solomon Islands on is
strengthening the law and justice sector. This includes strengthening police
services, the courts and prisons.
'Last week we officially opened the high security wing at the new Rove
Central Prison, which is being built as part of RAMSI assistance. The new prison
is expected to be fully operational by end October this year.
'This will help alleviate overcrowding at the current prison, assist in
bringing prison infrastructure up to human rights standards, and significantly
increase the capacity of the Solomon Islands Prison Service.
'In addition, RAMSI is recruiting and training Solomon Islanders in the
prison and justice sectors and we have provided experts and support staff to
assist the prisons, courts, Department of Public Prosecutions, Public
Solicitor's Office and Attorney General', she said.
Media contact:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) 02 6277 4840 or 0408
680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489
Dominic Morice
(RAMSI, Honiara) (0011) 677 72160