# Australia-Solomon Islands bilateral cooperation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-solomon-islands-bilateral-cooperation > Updated: 2026-08-21T23:58:01.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Australia and the Solomon Islands are deepening bilateral cooperation through labor mobility and maritime security initiatives. Under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, more than 13,000 Solomon Islanders have been deployed to Australia. Christina Maoma, Director of the Labour Mobility Unit, noted that this milestone follows efforts to improve recruitment and training in sectors such as hospitality, aged care, and meat processing to meet Australian employer demand. Simultaneously, the Australian Government has donated two NAID patrol boats to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) as part of a 6.5 million AUD investment in maritime policing. Acting Commissioner James Aitorea stated the vessels will enhance capabilities for coastal patrols, search and rescue, and combating transnational organized crime. The initiative also includes specialized training for personnel to ensure long-term operational effectiveness. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-21: Australia donates patrol boats to Solomon Islands police The Australian Government has donated two patrol boats to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to bolster maritime security, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-donates-patrol-boats-to-solomon-islands-police ### 2026-08-21: Solomon Islanders reach 13,000 deployment milestone in Australia Over 13,000 Solomon Islanders have been deployed to Australia through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, driven by growing demand in sectors like hospitality and aged care. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/solomon-islanders-reach-13000-deployment-milestone-in-australia --- Cite as: Australia-Solomon Islands bilateral cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-solomon-islands-bilateral-cooperation