James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne. Can the minister update the Senate on the current situation in the Solomon Islands?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McGrath for his question. Australia is deeply concerned by the recent civil unrest in Honiara. I can advise the Senate that, following several days of protests, with some violence, there were no significant incidents overnight or this morning. We do continue to monitor the situation very closely, however, and to respond accordingly. We understand there have, regrettably, been four deaths during the unrest. A curfew remains in place in Honiara between 7 pm and 6 am daily.

Australia continues to call for calm, an end to violence, and for tensions to be resolved peacefully. Our focus is to support stability. We do not take sides in these differences; nor do we take a position on other countries' choices about their diplomatic relationships. Australia has responded as a close friend, neighbour and partner, following a request from the Solomon Islands government under our bilateral security treaty. This is our responsibility under the treaty and the right thing to do in support of our Pacific family.

Australian personnel are there primarily to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. Australian Federal Police are working with the RSIPF, along with Papua New Guinean personnel, to conduct community patrols, to maintain security. The Australian Defence Force are supporting the RSIPF and the AFP. We acknowledge the professional work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to bring the situation under control.

The Australian mission in Honiara is operational and all staff and families are safe. I've spoken to the Acting Head of Mission again today. We again advise Australians to avoid protests, to monitor local media, to avoid areas affected by protests and roadblocks and to follow the advice of local authorities.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McGrath, a supplementary question?

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister provide further detail on Australia's support to our friend and neighbour?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McGrath and also thank Senator McGrath for his interest in these matters in the Solomon Islands. Within 24 hours of the request for assistance from the Solomon Islands government, Australia had responded. The Royal Australian Air Force began flights in support of our response on 25 November. As of this morning, we had deployed 45 AFP, 76 ADF and eight DFAT personnel, in addition to the Australian personnel already, of course, based in the Solomon Islands. HMAS Armidale is scheduled to arrive tomorrow. We are taking every precaution against the risk of COVID-19 transmission. One of the Royal Australian Air Force flights that landed in Honiara yesterday carried 1,280 rapid antigen test kits, to ensure no risk is posed by our personnel or those of partners. Australia's support is to contribute to maintaining stability, enabling tensions to be resolved by the Solomon Islands people within their own system.

Slade Brockman (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator McGrath, a second supplementary?

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister advise the Senate on Australia's engagement with Pacific partners and others in our shared response?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In addition to Australia's own deployment, we are working closely with regional partners, who are similarly committed to a stable Pacific. We welcome the participation of 37 members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, who have deployed alongside Australian personnel. We are working with Fiji to mobilise a number of RFMF personnel, who are expected to arrive tomorrow. These efforts are also in response to requests from the Solomon Islands government. Australia is also in discussion with New Zealand about further cooperation. I have engaged with my counterparts across the Pacific, and Prime Minister Morrison and Minister Seselja have done the same. Australia continues to engage and work with our Pacific family and like-minded partners as the situation develops. We are strongly committed to peace, security and stability across our region.