by Georgina Maka’a
The Solomon Islands Government is expected to bring before the next parliament sitting a $5.6 billion budget for the 2026 financial year.
This was an increase of more than $1.4 billion from the $4.2 billion budget the Manele Government tabled for the 2024-2025 financial year.
Parliament is expected to convene next month for its final session for this year, during which the 2026 budget will be debated.
Meanwhile, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will start its hearing into the $5.6 billion budget tomorrow.
Headed by Central Honiara MP Gordon Darcy Lilo, the Public Accounts Committee acts as Parliament’s financial watchdog, ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent legally, efficiently, and for the benefit of the public.
PAC conducts inquiry into every government budget before it is tabled in parliament.
Lilo said his committee met this morning and resolved to begin the inquiry tomorrow.
He said the inquiry will enable the Committee to thoroughly examine the proposed expenditure and borrowing provisions of all government ministries and stakeholders.
This, the veteran MP said, is important to ensuring that public funds are utilised responsibly and in accordance with the Government’s financial policy objectives outlined in the 2026 Budget Papers.
Lilo underscored the significance of the inquiry, urging supporting staff to ensure the smooth conduct of the hearings.
He added relevant departments are already working diligently ahead of the inquiry to prepare the Committee Room and ensure that all logistical and technical arrangements are in place.
