BY LORETTA B MANELE
A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and Correctional Services of Solomon Islands (CSSI) have recently returned from a successful official mission to Australia.
According to the Ministry of Police, the delegation participated in key engagements which aims to strengthen Solomon Islands’ correctional and parole systems.
The delegation led by the Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale and the Commissioner of CSSI, Mactus Forau attended the 18th Reintegration Puzzle Conference in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Northern Territory, from June 25-26, 2025.
Also, part of the delegation were the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Planning, the Director of Programs, the Officer-in-Charge of the Parole Board and a representative from the Ministry of Women, Youth and Family Affairs (MWYCFA).
This conference is said to have brought together regional and international experts to discuss offender rehabilitation, parole reintegration and community-based supervision models.
The purpose of the visit as stated by the ministry was to;
– Strengthen collaboration under the Australian Government’s Law and Justice Development Program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
– Gain insights into Parole Board operations, including sentencing practices, parole supervision and community-based sentencing options.
– Examine low-security rehabilitation models, with a particular focus on the Helena Jones Centre, a female-focused correctional facility in Queensland.
MPNSCS mentioned that prior to the conference, the delegation visited the Queensland Correctional Services (QCS) Headquarters in Brisbane on June 23.
This visit included presentations on sentencing and remand options, parole board operations, and community-based supervision.
“A guided tour of the Helena Jones Centre provided practical insight into gender-responsive rehabilitation approaches for low-risk women offenders,” said MPNSCS.
Permanent Secretary of MPNSCS, Karen Galokale, highlighting the importance of the visit expressed that the experience has been both enriching and timely as we continue to develop policy and institutional frameworks to support a more rehabilitative, community-focused correctional system in Solomon Islands.
“The knowledge and partnerships gained from this visit will directly contribute to the advancement of parole reforms and reintegration programs under CSSI,” she added.
The Ministry of Police and CSSI appreciates DFAT and Queensland Correctional Services for their ongoing support and commitment towards strengthening justice sector collaboration in the Pacific region.
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