High Commissioner to Solomon Islands

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Rod Hilton as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

Australia and Solomon Islands are Pacific family and friends, with a deep and enduring history underpinned by strong people-to-people links and shared democratic values.

Australia is Solomon Islands’ largest bilateral partner, supporting all areas of society and the economy – from health, justice, security, and education, to infrastructure, labour mobility, private sector growth, agriculture, and rural development.

We have a strong policing partnership, decades-long defence and maritime cooperation and growing links between our border agencies.

Since November 2021, Australia has deployed more than 300 personnel who have worked alongside those from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand, to maintain law and order in Honiara. Our security assistance has been extended to support Solomon Islands prepare for the 2023 Pacific Games.

We look forward to working together to face our shared challenges and achieve our shared goals, including on climate change.

Mr Hilton is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Acting Deputy Secretary, Development and Multilateral Group.

He has previously served overseas as Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi and Minister Counsellor in Port Moresby.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Lachlan Strahan for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Solomon Islands since January 2020.