Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles, shakes hands with Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon Francis Sade during the official opening of Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands. *** Local Caption *** Australias Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon Francis Sade officially opened the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands. The joint Australian and Solomon Islands Government initiative brings together Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Customs, Immigration and Biosecurity officials in one location to strengthen border management, maritime security and interagency coordination. Solomon Islands Government ministers, Famoa council of chiefsand community members also attended the opening
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, and Solomon Island’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon Francis Sade, officially opened the Western Border Outpost today in the Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands.
The Western Border Outpost is a jointly delivered infrastructure project between the Australian and Solomon Islands governments.
This new facility brings together the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity officials in a single location, enhancing interagency coordination and strengthening border management operations that help keep Solomon Islands secure.
Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, the Hon John Tuhaika Jnr., and Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour & Immigration, the Hon Harry Kuma also attended the opening ceremony.
The new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding security partnership between the two nations. Once handed over, this will be a sovereign Solomon Islands facility.
Deputy Prime Minister Marles said:
“The official opening of the Western Border Outpost marks an important milestone in Australia’s longstanding partnership with Solomon Islands.
“This new facility will support Solomon Islands to strengthen border management and maritime security while delivering real benefits for its people.
“It stands as a practical demonstration of what Australia and Solomon Islands can achieve together and provides a sovereign asset for Solomon Islands to use to strengthen its security.”
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, the Hon Francis Sade tour the Western Border Outpost in the Shortland Islands, Solomon Islands
Australia is investing more than $100 million (AUD) towards the project, which will also provide offices, accommodation and a wharf capable of supporting Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats.
In partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, this project has created lasting benefits for local communities including 368 jobs created and more than 1,000 contracts awarded to local businesses.
Australia is proud to support the broad range of initiatives that strengthen Solomon Islands’ national security capabilities and support the growth of the RSIPF.
