8 November 2013
Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop today announced that Ms Justine Braithwaite will be the next Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI). Ms Braithwaite will be RAMSI's first female Special Coordinator.
Ms Braithwaite is expected to take up her appointment in November 2013, replacing Mr Nicholas Coppel who has served as Special Coordinator since March 2011.
Ms Braithwaite is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For the past two years, Ms Braithwaite has served in Solomon Islands as Chief of Staff within RAMSI's Office of the Special Coordinator. Prior to joining RAMSI, she was seconded to the Office of National Assessments as a senior strategic analyst (2010-11). Ms Braithwaite has held a number of positions in the Department, including in the Policy Planning Branch and International Organisations and Legal Division. Overseas, she has served in Moscow (2001-04).
Ms Braithwaite holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne and previously worked as a solicitor in the Victorian Crown Solicitor's Office in Melbourne. She was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Victorian Supreme Court in 1998. Ms Braithwaite speaks Solomon Islands Pijin and Russian.
Ms Braithwaite will be responsible for the overall coordination and strategic direction of RAMSI, a partnership between Solomon Islands and 15 of its Pacific neighbours, including Australia. Since its arrival in 2003, RAMSI has worked with Solomon Islands to maintain law and order, improve government finances and management, and implement reforms that encourage economic growth and prosperity.
Ms Braithwaite will oversee RAMSI as it implements a comprehensive package of ongoing security assistance to help the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force deliver effective services across the country.
Australia remains committed to the ongoing support and success of a prosperous and more secure Solomon Islands and will continue working closely with the Solomon Islands Government to this end, both through RAMSI and bilaterally.