Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Yes I can. During this visit to the region I also spent time in the Solomon Islands, where I was able to witness firsthand the deep defence engagement between our two nations. I was so proud to observe the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and the Australian Defence Force working together, side by side, to conduct Exercise Coastwatchers in the Western and Choiseul provinces of Solomon Islands. This important activity is now in its third year, and it develops our forces' ability to plan, conduct and support remote policing and law enforcement activities and also, importantly, to exercise humanitarian assistance and disaster relief responses. This year's exercise was specifically focused on strengthening the Solomon Islands' ability to police remote areas of its exclusive economic zone, a high priority for the Solomon Islands' government and one that Australia was incredibly proud to support. I thank all of our men and women in uniform, both in PNG and in the Solomon Islands, doing the wonderful work that they are doing.