AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele Tour AFP’s Specialist Operational Training Centre

Commissioner Reece Kershaw of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele recently visited the AFP’s Specialist Operational Training Centre in Pinkenba, Queensland. The purpose of the visit was to showcase the capabilities of the AFP in providing support to Pacific police forces, as well as strengthening in-country policing partnerships.

During the tour, Commissioner Kershaw emphasized the importance of the relationship between Australia and Solomon Islands, highlighting the AFP’s commitment to supporting the development of a strong policing capability in Solomon Islands since 2003. He also mentioned the ongoing collaboration between the AFP and Pacific law enforcement partners to combat criminal threats in the region.

The visit by Prime Minister Manele’s delegation, which included key officials from Solomon Islands, underscored the work being done to equip the Specialist Operational Training Centre with state-of-the-art facilities for operational safety training, public order management, investigations, and more.

The tour followed meetings between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Manele in Canberra, where discussions centered around Australia’s assistance in building the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). The leaders agreed to work together on next steps to strengthen sovereignty and regional stability.

Commissioner Kershaw highlighted the unique training opportunities provided by the Centre, which allows law enforcement personnel to enhance their skills and knowledge in a cutting-edge environment. The AFP’s Policing Partnership Program with the RSIPF continues to support security priorities in Solomon Islands, including maintaining peace and security through deployments like the Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF).

SIAF, a police-led response supported by military components, has been instrumental in assisting the RSIPF in various operations, including the successful delivery of the 2023 Pacific Games and the April 2024 Joint Elections in Solomon Islands. The AFP’s ongoing commitment to providing operational police services in support of the RSIPF demonstrates the strong partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands in ensuring the safety and security of the region.