Published on: 2025-07-04
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands wishes to acknowledge the participation of two of its research officers, Ms. Florida Tamu and Ms. Rachael Viola, in the innovative Floating Budget Office (FBO) programme held in Suva, Fiji.
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The FBO programme, hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), symbolizes both innovation and regional collaboration in strengthening parliamentary practices across the Pacific. This week-long initiative brought together parliamentary research staff from across the region, including representatives from New South Wales, Victoria, New Zealand, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati.
Running from 23rd June to 4th July 2025, the programme included virtual orientation sessions, in-person workshops, and intensive budget analysis sessions held at the Fiji Parliament. Participants were tasked with developing comprehensive and analytical budget briefs designed to better equip Members of Parliament with accurate and timely information, supporting more informed and meaningful debates during national budget sessions.
The detailed programme agenda featured an official welcome and introduction to the FBO process, briefings on budget documents, thematic budget analysis, fact-checking, proofreading, and concluded with a debrief session and a closing dinner.
The participation of Ms. Tamu and Ms. Viola highlights the National Parliament’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its research and analytical capacity, ensuring that MPs are supported with high-quality information for effective oversight and fiscal accountability. Their involvement in this regional initiative demonstrates Solomon Islands’ dedication to promoting budgeting practices that are transparent, accountable, and inclusive — values that are vital for strengthening democratic governance and collaboration in the Pacific region.
The National Parliament extends its sincere appreciation to the UNDP and the Parliament of Fiji for facilitating this invaluable learning opportunity and looks forward to continued regional cooperation to further build capacity and strengthen parliamentary democracy.
Published on: 2025-07-03
A group of enthusiastic youth from Sinarangu and Olomburi in East Kwaio Constituency had the unique opportunity to visit the National Parliament of Solomon Islands on Thursday 3rd July 2025 this week.
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For most of these students, it was their very first trip to Honiara and especially to Parliament — making it a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The visiting students represent five schools across Sinarangu District and Olomburi District. East Kwaio Constituency consists of three districts: Uru District, Sinarangu District, and Olomburi District. Uru District, famously pronounced with an extended “Uuuuuru” by locals to preserve its true meaning, borders East Malaita Constituency, while Olomburi District marks East Kwaio’s boundary with East Are’are Constituency.
The National Parliament Office is pleased to host students from across the country and commends the SINOLO youth for their keen interest in learning about the work of Parliament and national governance.
Published on: 2025-07-02
The National Parliament successfully held its Corporate Workplan Seminar today, Wednesday 2nd July 2025, at the Paul Tovua Complex.
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Held under the theme “Strengthening Parliamentary Performance through Strategic Planning,” the seminar is a key milestone in preparing Parliament’s Corporate Plan for 2026.
The first part of today’s programme also served as an induction session for the newly elected Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal, Hon. Mary Daniella Zae Garu, who recently won her seat through a by-election. The Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu officially welcomed Hon. Garu and provided an overview of Parliament’s work and the vital role of strategic planning in improving parliamentary performance and services.
Hon. Garu was also briefed on the roles and functions of key departments of Parliament in supporting the work of Members of Parliament.
Heads of Departments and Managers presented their departmental workplan proposals and budget estimates during the second part of the programme, which will guide Parliament’s corporate direction and inform the 2026 budget submission. The seminar also included robust discussions on priorities, risks, and opportunities to align Parliament’s work with the Strategic Plan, national goals, gender and inclusion, and digital transformation.
The Clerk to Parliament Jefferson Hallu thanked Hon. Garu for her participation and commended all Heads of Departments and Managers for their commitment, leadership, and valuable contributions.
The National Parliament Office acknowledges everyone’s dedication to ensuring the success of this important undertaking as we work together to strengthen parliamentary performance for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders.
Published on: 2025-06-24
The National Parliament of Solomon Islands was pleased to welcome a group of 70 students from Su’u National Secondary School in Malaita Province for an educational visit as part of their governance studies program.
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This visit marks the first by a provincial school outside of Honiara for the year and highlights the growing interest in Parliament outreach programs among students across the country.
During their visit, the students were given a guided tour of the Parliament where they had the unique opportunity to observe the Bills and Legislation Committee hearing on the National Building Standards Bill 2025. This experience allowed them to witness firsthand how parliamentary processes work behind the scenes.
The highlight of the visit was a special interaction with the Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale. Many students were thrilled to meet and hear from a national leader they had only read or heard about in the media.
In addition, the students were introduced to the key roles and functions of the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Clerk to Parliament. They also learned how the various support departments contribute to the smooth functioning of the institution.
The day concluded with a short presentation and a lively question-and-answer session. Students eagerly asked insightful questions and left with a deeper understanding of how the Solomon Islands is governed.
The Parliament’s Civic Education Unit encourages more schools, especially from the provinces, to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with the country's highest democratic institution. Educational visits like this play an important role in promoting civic awareness and inspiring future leaders.