High Commissioner to Solomon Islands

Today I announce the appointment of Dr Lachlan Strahan as Australia’s next High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

Australia and Solomon Islands enjoy strong relations built on shared values, common regional interests and enduring community links. Solomon Islands is a vital partner in the Government’s Pacific Step-up.

Building on the successes achieved under the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), we have continued our commitment to the country’s peace and stability through new infrastructure initiatives and deeper security cooperation. This includes supplying two new patrol boats and constructing a border facility in the western provinces.

We are reinforcing the strong ties between Australians and Solomon Islanders through our Seasonal Worker Program, Pacific Labour Scheme, and Pacific Girl and Church Partnership Programs.

Solomon Islands is our third-largest bilateral development partner, with assistance of $198.3 million in 2018-19.

Dr Strahan is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is currently First Assistant Secretary, South and West Asia Division. He has previously served overseas as Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission, New Delhi.

Dr Strahan holds a Doctor of Philosophy in History from Monash University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Melbourne. His second book, Day of Reckoning, which traces Australia’s efforts to restore law and order in Papua New Guinea after WWII, was shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Australian history prize in 2006.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Roderick Brazier for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Solomon Islands since 2016.