Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, will visit Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea this week to engage in communications development-focused meetings, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to partnering with the Pacific to support connectivity and digital inclusion.
The Minister’s visit to Solomon Islands coincides with the upcoming 4th Pacific ICT Ministerial Dialogue in Port Moresby, PNG, which she will also attend in coming days.
While in Honiara, Minister Rowland will discuss Australia’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy and broadcasting in the Pacific with media industry stakeholders, visit important communications infrastructure such as the Coral Sea Cable landing station, and celebrate milestones in the delivery of Australian Government-funded mobile towers with Our Telekom and Bmobile.
The Minister will also meet counterparts in the Solomon Islands Government to discuss priority issues of mutual interest including connectivity, digital inclusion and broadcasting, and looks forward to highlighting Australia’s efforts to support postal development for Solomon Islands and the broader Pacific region.
This important visit to the region demonstrates Australia’s commitment to support telecommunications infrastructure in the Pacific, with connectivity playing a key role in ensuring the region reaches its potential.
The Government has made significant commitments to the Pacific including reaffirming Australia’s dedication to developing partnerships with our Pacific neighbours.
This includes uplifting cyber security and building resilience in the region through the 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy; and partnering with Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea on the delivery of the Coral Sea Cable system.
Australia has also supported the establishment, training and development of national computer emergency response teams, cyber strategies, cybercrime legislation and online safety awareness campaigns across several Pacific states.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Reliable access to communications – from postal access to internet access – isn’t a luxury, or nice-to-have, it is a necessity in an increasingly connected society.
“I am delighted to visit our Pacific family to understand more about the region.
“The Australian Government remains committed to strengthening our partnership with Pacific nations and ensuring Australia is building on its already strong contribution toward improving regional connectivity and digital inclusion in the region.”
