QCS deploys specialised training internationally

Specialised training from Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) is being deployed internationally to assist officers from the Correctional Service of the Solomon Islands (CSSI).

The Solomon Islands Justice Program is overseen and funded by the Australian Federal Government, enabling Solomon Islands officers to undertake programs with QCS.

In 2018, QCS Commissioner Peter Martin APM signed an historic international Memorandum of Understanding CSSI, to allow Solomon Islands officers to access best-practice training and development opportunities through the QCS Academy.

Commissioner Martin visited the Solomon Islands in March, where he attended a parade at the CSSI Headquarters to present Diplomas to officers who had successfully completed their studies with the QCS Academy.

“QCS is committed to ensuring officers are trained in evidence-based practices to deliver effective and efficient corrective services.

“As leaders in modern correctional education and training, we are proud to not only offer these QCS training packages to officers from within our own organisation, but also correctional officers from interstate and overseas,” Commissioner Martin said.

The CSSI Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi said he recognised the value of the international partnership and supports the continuation of the program.

“We are proud to invest in these officers with professional development opportunities — through leadership, education, and training, and I am hoping to visit Queensland to strengthen our partnership in the coming months,” Commissioner Manelusi said.

The QCS Academy has played a key role in the professional development of current and emerging CSSI leaders since 2016. To date, 26 officers have undertaken the QCS Early Management Development Program (EMDP), with 17 awarded the Diploma of Correctional Administration.

The first CSSI officer to complete the EMDP, Michael Nagu has recently been appointed as Deputy Commissioner, Operations for CSSI.

Mr Nagu said the program was of great value to the CSSI.

“We look forward to a long and respected partnership with Queensland Corrective Services,” Deputy Commissioner Nagu said.

The QCS Academy currently offers training to public safety organisations across Australia, as well as the Correctional Service of the Solomon Islands, and the Fiji Corrections Service.