23 November 2012
Briefing on Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership for Development
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Matt Anderson has met with recently appointed Minister for Development, Planning and Aid Coordination, Connelly Sandakabatu to congratulate him on his appointment and discuss focus areas within the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership for Development.
During the meeting, Mr Anderson highlighted progress of the Partnership and discussed planning for the new look Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Development next year when AusAID’s RAMSI development pillars transfer across to the Partnership.
“The move of AusAID’s RAMSI aid program into the Partnership for Development in July next year is an important process and Solomon Islands and Australia are working together to ensure a smooth transition,” Mr Anderson.
“The programs are being redesigned with a focus on the long term development challenges of the nation, of ensuring service delivery in the provinces – tackling issues such as human resources, transparent processes and accountability. This is quite different from the stabilisation assistance that RAMSI has provided in the past.”
Minister Connelly Sandakabatu and Australian High Commissioner Matt Anderson
“We are keen to reassure all Solomon Islanders that the enhanced Partnership will continue to support the Solomon Islands Government’s efforts to improving health, education and transport services, as well as a safe and stable country though a strong law and justice program for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.”
“Under the Partnership for Development, we look forward to working with Minister Sandakabatu and MDPAC to ensure Australian assistance is directed where it’s most needed - in support of the Solomon Islands Government’s priorities as outlined in their National Development Strategy.”
Minister Sandakabatu said he looked forward to working with Australia within the spirit and principles of the Partnership for Development.
“Australia is our largest development partner in Solomon Islands and I thank them for their ongoing support, both through the bilateral aid program and also AusAID’s RAMSI development program,” Minister Sandakabatu said.
“The Partnership for Development is effective because Australia’s support is aligned with the National Development Strategy for Solomon Islands.”
Australia will provide an estimated SBD1 billion (A$135.1 million) in development assistance to Solomon Islands in 2012-13. This includes support through the bilateral aid program of SBD528 million (A$70.3 million), aid contributions to RAMSI of SBD 348 million (A$46.4 million) and regional/global programs of SBD138 million (A$18.4 million).