ADF budget – Solomon Islands

Introduction

Beyond its contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission in Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and development assistance activities, the Australian government allocates significant funding for ADF and AFP operations in Solomon Islands.

As part of a broader regional program, Australia also provides funding to the Solomon Islands through the Defence Co-operation Program (DCP). DCP funding in Solomon Islands amounted to $2.35 million (2005-06), $3.75 million (2006-07) and $2.5 million (2007-08).

2009

$1.7 Billion to Sustain Australian Defence Force Operations, Budget 2009-10, Department of Defence Media release 080/2009, 12 May 2009.

“The Rudd Government has allocated $1.7 billion in 2009-10 for major Australian Defence Force operations, Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon announced today….Mr Fitzgibbon said that two ongoing major overseas operations had also been funded in 2009-10, with $213.8 million being committed to East Timor and $29.6 million to the Solomon Islands.”

“The ADF also provides around 110 military personnel to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. Overall, Australia’s significant contribution to both these operations in our region should not be underestimated.”

2008

Budget 2008-09: Defence 2008-09 Budget, Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon, media release 34/08, 13 May 2008

“In 2008-09, total funding of $1.036 billion will be made available for Australian Defence Force operations, consisting of: $27.1 million for Operation Anode, Australia’s contribution to the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands.”

Defence Annual Report 2007-08, Volume 1, Department of Defence, p51

“Operations in Solomon Islands (Operation Anode): The government agreed to an extension of the deployment period for the operation and approved an increase of $6.7 m in the 2007-08 additional estimates. This brought the total level of funding for Operation Anode in 2007-08 to $12.7 million. Actual expenditure for Operation Anode was $11m higher than the revised estimate mainly due to a significant increase in garrison support costs.”

2007

Defence Portfolio Budget Papers 2007-08, Chapter 2 – Resourcing, Department of Defence, Australia

“Operations in the Solomon Islands (Operation Anode) – Operation Anode is the ADF’s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands. The Government has previously allocated $6.0 in 2007-08 for the continuation of the ADF presence until March 2008. The ADF presence includes infantry soldiers who are providing support to the police patrolling program and headquarters and support staff co-ordinating thee military support effort.”

2006

Australian Monitors to Observe Free and Fair Solomon Islands Election, Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer, Media Release FA030, 30 March 2006

“An integral part of the RAMSI mission is the $1.77 million Civic Education program, which has encouraged Solomon Islanders at a village level to embrace their democratic rights in electing responsible and accountable leaders. Australia is also providing $1.6 million in assistance to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission to help them conduct a free and fair election….Australia’s total Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Solomon Islands in 2005-06 is estimated at $247 million.”

2005

New Funding For Solomons Peace Mission, Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer, Media Release FA63, 10 May 2005

“The Australian Government will provide funding of $840.5 million over four years for the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI)….Funding will enable us to continue our assistance to the Solomon Islands Government in the restoration of law and order and to support broad-ranging reforms. It will provide for the ongoing rebuilding of the law and justice system, including reforming the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, and pursuing economic, governance and public sector reforms.

“The Government will provide $15.1 million over four years to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – the lead agency – to continue its coordination role in Honiara for this whole-of-government effort.

“The Government will provide $537.9 million over four years to the Australian Federal Police to continue the policing activities which have made such significant progress since RAMSI’s deployment in 2003.…AusAID will receive funding of $282.2 million over four years to support a strengthened programme of assistance in law and justice administration, economic and financial management, machinery of government reform and provincial development….Funding of $5.2 million over four years for the Australian Customs Service will enable RAMSI to increase its focus on helping Solomon Islands maintain border security and integrity.”

2004

Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer, Media Release FA64, 11 May 2004

“The Australian Government will provide funding of $165.1 million in 2004-05 for the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Funding includes $66.7 million for AusAID to assist the Solomon Islands Government implement a comprehensive reform agenda to improve the accountability and affordability of government. Priorities for reform are economic governance, rebuilding the machinery of government and strengthening the legal and judicial sector.

“The allocation also includes $4.5 million to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Office of the Special Coordinator which provides leadership for the Regional Mission and for additional staff at the High Commission in Honiara to provide back-up services to RAMSI. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) will receive $93.9 million to maintain operations and further build the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police to uphold law and order.”