Senior government communications officers from Solomon Islands have completed a week‑long professional development visit to Australia.
The International Senior Communications Officer Visit brought together six senior communications officers from across the Solomon Islands Government to build strategic communications capability and strengthen coordination across government.
The program focused on strengthening clear, consistent and credible government messaging to build public trust, support informed communities, and ensure policies and reforms are well understood.
Participants undertook a comprehensive program focused on strengthening the ability of the Solomon Islands Government to communicate effectively with its citizens.
Activities included senior‑level briefings on the regional geopolitical context; training on developing a communications strategy; sessions with Australian Government communications teams on coordinated messaging and public information campaigns; and a meeting with the Australian Foreign Minister’s press and media team.
Participants also engaged with Australian Associated Press (AAP) and Meta on media integrity, digital platforms and emerging issues, including artificial intelligence.
The delegation participated in First Nations cultural experiences at the Burrunju Aboriginal Art Gallery and the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The visit coincided with Anzac Day, providing an opportunity to attend commemorations at the Sydney Opera House. Participants visited major national institutions, including the Australian War Memorial and the National Gallery of Australia, reinforcing shared history, values and people‑to‑people ties.
The delegation comprised Brian Lezutuni, Chief Communication Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Theresa Satu, Media Officer, Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF); Ben Rakai, Senior Digital Media and Communication Officer, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; Esther Nuria, Communication Officer, Ministry of Health; Follet John, Communication Officer, Ministry of Police; and Ruthina Koroa, Media Officer with the RSIPF–AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr Jeff Roach, said:
“Clear and trusted communication is essential for governments to serve their people well. Australia is proud to work alongside Solomon Islands to strengthen strategic government communication, share practical experience and build lasting professional connections.”
Feedback from the delegation was highly positive. Ms Theresa Satu, Media Officer at the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, said the program was “inspiring and enriching, strengthening my understanding of strategic communication and offering valuable insights through visits to key institutions in Canberra and Sydney. This experience has enhanced my capabilities and deepened my appreciation of our partnership.”
Ms Ruthina Koroa, Media Officer with the RSIPF–AFP Policing Partnership Program, said: “The training on developing communication strategies provided practical skills and new ideas that I will apply in my work. A highlight of the visit was meeting the media advisers to Foreign Minister Penny Wong. It was inspiring to meet the people behind her public communications and media presence and to learn that, while our systems and scale may differ, many of our challenges are the same. Attending an ANZAC Day commemoration for the first time was also very meaningful. It reinforced the importance of our role in informing the public and supporting peace and stability.”
Mr Brian Lezutuni, Chief Communication Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said: “This program has been eye‑opening as it reinforces the critical role of strategic communication in delivering clear, coordinated government messaging. I am better prepared to apply these skills to enhance public engagement in my work.”
This was the first Australia‑supported visit for senior government communications officers from Solomon Islands, complementing earlier International Media Visits which focused on the media sector.
Together, these initiatives form part of Australia’s broader support for media and communications under the Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership, with the objective of strengthening media freedom and citizen engagement in Solomon Islands.
