Published on: 2025-07-11
In June this year, a parliamentary delegation from the Solomon Islands stepped into New Zealand’s House of Representatives to see firsthand how robust financial oversight works in action.
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Led by Hon. Lazarus Rina (Chairman of the Public Expenditure Committee) and Hon. George Temahua, along with Ms. Angelina Nunumae (Committee Secretary) and Mr. Patrick Balou (Research Staff Officer), the team spent four intensive days—from 16–19 June—observing New Zealand’s annual Estimates Scrutiny Week.
This unique learning visit gave our MPs and parliamentary staff an up-close look at how select committees rigorously examine government spending plans outlined in the 2025 Budget Estimates. They sat in on over 60 hearings, watched ministers and officials questioned in detail, and studied how public scrutiny and transparency strengthen trust in democratic institutions.
The program was not just about watching. The delegation also engaged in strategic discussions with the New Zealand Parliamentary Library and Research Office—gathering valuable insights on how to support committees with solid research, clear timelines, and evidence-based inquiry methods.
Key takeaways include:
-Enforcing strict questioning times to ensure clear answers.
-Making hearings accessible to the public and media to boost accountability.
-Using public submissions and standardized frameworks to guide committee work.
This study visit is part of our Parliament’s ongoing effort to strengthen our own committee systems—ensuring that MPs have the tools, procedures, and research support needed to hold government spending to account and deliver better outcomes for our people.
With these lessons in hand, the Public Expenditure and Public Accounts Committees are already looking at ways to integrate what they learned into local practice—building a more transparent, accountable, and effective National Parliament for the Solomon Islands.
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.
