SBD 1 billion Support Puts Solomon Islands as Australia’s Third-Largest Development Partner

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Solomon Islands is Australia’s third-largest development partner globally, with Canberra spending close to SBD 1 billion in the past 12 months.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this week, Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel said only Papua New Guinea and Indonesia receive more support from Australia than Solomon Islands.

“We are talking about a substantial commitment, and we absolutely want to ensure that this commitment is led and driven by the priorities of the government and people of Solomon Islands,” he told the committee.

Schloeffel confirmed that Australia’s current support stands at AUD 175 million—approximately SBD 1 billion—and emphasised that the assistance aligns with the Solomon Islands Government’s priority areas and is delivered through the most effective approaches.

Solomon Islands’ priorities include infrastructure, jobs and economic growth. Schloeffel said Australia is also supporting sectors such as health, education, public financial management and gender equality.

He highlighted the government’s strong emphasis on locally led development and local content. Citing the National Transport Fund (NTF), Schloeffel said Australia favours funding work undertaken by Solomon Islands firms to help build local capacity, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

“It’s about skills development, community partnerships and support at the very local level,” he said, noting that Australia supported 108 such locally focused projects this year.

The Deputy High Commissioner also pointed to Australia’s growing “on-system support,” which channels funds directly through government systems. From July 2024 to June 2025, Australia provided SBD 127 million through these systems to help the government implement its priorities.