THANKING OUR TROOPS IN THE SOLOMONS

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, today joined the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith MP, the Parliamentary Secretary for International Assistance, the Hon Bob McMullen MP, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Duncan Kerr SC, MP on a visit to the Solomon Islands.

“We currently have approximately 140 reservist men and women from Perth’s 13 Brigade doing wonderful work under the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

“And it’s my pleasure and privilege to be able to visit and formally thank them for their efforts,” said Mr Snowdon.

RAMSI’s mission is to assist the Solomon Islands Government in the restoration of security, law and order, and to help improve the machinery of government in the Solomon Islands.

“In addition to the RAMSI military contingent, Defence also provides two Patrol Boats to assist with training and technical advice in fisheries management.”

Minister Smith said that subject to ongoing reviews of the security situation, Australia remains strongly committed to assisting its regional neighbours.

“Our priority is to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government and its new Prime Minister, Dr Derek Sikua to restore stability.

“Working with New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, we hope to assist the Solomon Islands in achieving peace, economic recovery, and good governance,” said Mr Smith.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):                 02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                              02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664