With his world-class Australian tertiary degree in law and a deep commitment to national development, Australia Awards alumnus George Junior Toaki is working to create a stronger and more accountable Solomon Islands.

Mr Toaki, a 2024 Australia Awards scholar from the Reef Islands in Solomon Islands, recently completed a Master of Laws at the University of Technology Sydney.

Now back home, he is using his legal expertise to strengthen governance in the Solomon Islands in his capacity as Senior Legal Officer at the Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (NPF) Board.

Mr Toaki’s passion for law stems from his desire to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“The Australia Awards scholarship stood out to me not just for the opportunity to study abroad, but for the potential to bring back knowledge that makes a difference,” Mr Toaki said.

 “Law is a powerful tool to support governance and improve institutions.”

While his coursework-based program focused on commercial and corporate law, Mr Toaki strategically selected his studies to meet the Solomon Islands’ needs, particularly in driving public sector reform and supporting private sector growth.

 “Studying in Australia provided more than just academic enrichment.”

Interacting with students from around the world broadened my perspective and helped me appreciate diverse approaches to complex legal issues”.

Yet the journey came with personal and academic challenges.

Being away from family, was emotionally difficult.

“Staying connected through video calls and returning home during breaks kept me grounded,” Mr Toaki said.

Academically, he faced the lack of Solomon Islands-specific legal materials in Australian databases.

“I relied on professional networks back home to find what I needed. It pushed me to be more resourceful.”

Now at NPF, Mr Toaki is focused on supporting legal reforms that enhance institutional transparency and resilience.

“My role is not only about interpreting the law, it is about enabling meaningful change.”

He also highlighted the growing impact of technology and AI in legal practice.

“These tools expand access to information, but we must use them wisely to avoid misinformation.”

To young Solomon Islanders, Mr Toaki offers this advice: “Believe in yourself. Education is powerful—embrace it with confidence and purpose.”

Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious, merit-based scholarships, awarded to change makers in the Pacific and globally each year.

– AHC