The “Pacific Step-Up” is one of Australia's foreign policy priorities highlighted in its 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper and 2016 Defence White Paper as of fundamental importance. This is to engage with Solomon Islands and other Pacific Island Countries at a new level, launching a new chapter in their relations. Hence the Pacific/Aus Sports Initiative.
The Solomon Islands High Commission in Canberra had the unique opportunity to introduce two young women students from the Australia National University (ANU) to the world of diplomacy and politics. On 28 October, for a one day event, the Girls Leadership Network (TGLN) matches participants with High Commissions and Embassies in Canberra and give them the chance and opportunity to experience work at the Missions.
On the 21st October, the Solomon Islands Consulate General in Brisbane, Australia, Mr Kereta Sanga, presented the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) International Law Enforcement Cooperation Medal (ILEC) to Mr Paul Johnstone, a former Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) officer who served in Solomon Islands in 2007.
On the 21st October, Solomon Islands Immigration officers, Mr Johnson Oge andMr Richard Manuroho, participated in a half day passports training at the Australian Passport Office in Brisbane.
On the 1st September 2020 Sir Bruce and Lady Keithie Saunders paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of Solomon Islands to Australia,
On the morning of the 21st September 2020 the Consulate General of Solomon Islands in Brisbane opened its doors as the country’s first diplomatic mission to offer passport renewal services to Solomon Islanders outside of the country.
About 300 Solomon Islanders are now working in Australia under the Seasonal Workers Programme (SWP) and 100 under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS). This is expected to increase to 2,500 by 2023 according to the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Mr. Robert Sisilo.
Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Mr. Robert Sisilo, has likened the Covid-19 Pandemic to a big dark cloud that has descended on planet earth, bringing death and destruction.
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency William Soaki joined the Fiji Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Itendra Nair, Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Esala Nayasi, and members of Diplomatic Corp to launch the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) five year Strategic Plan early this month in Suva.
As of mid-September 2020, Solomon Islands citizens in Australia can now initiate their renewal of passports at the Consulate General Office in Brisbane. Immigration officials, Mr. Johnson Oge and Mr Richard Manuroho, flew in to Brisbane on the 24th August to set up Immigrations Mobile Enrolment Unit (MEU) in the Consulate.
