Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has called for the revocation of the recent salary increase awarded to Members of Parliament, saying the decision fails to reflect the economic challenges facing ordinary Solomon Islanders.
TSI said the increase places an unfair burden on taxpayers at a time when families across the country continue to struggle with rising costs of food, transport, housing, education and other essential services.
The Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC) approved the latest increase, which took effect on 1 April 2026.
Under the revised entitlements, the annual salary of an ordinary Member of Parliament has increased to about SBD$288,615, while the Prime Minister’s annual salary has risen to approximately SBD$454,659.
The increase is the second adjustment to parliamentary salaries in two years and has sparked public debate over whether the decision is appropriate amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
TSI acknowledged that the PEC has the constitutional authority to determine and review parliamentary salaries and entitlements.
However, the watch-dog organisation said legal authority does not remove the need for transparency, accountability and public scrutiny.
TSI said the Constitution requires the PEC to consider factors including the state of the national economy, the Government’s financial position, changes in public sector salaries, and movements in the retail price index and other cost-of-living indicators.
It questioned whether these considerations were adequately applied before approving the latest increase.
“The public, who are the taxpayers, deserve to know how these considerations were applied in arriving at the latest increase,” TSI said.
It also questioned whether the PEC consulted civil society organisations and the wider public before making the decision.
TSI said the increase comes at a time when many Solomon Islanders are struggling to meet basic household needs.
The organisation also raised concerns about transport costs for students, saying some shipping operators continue to charge student passengers adult fares despite the financial pressures faced by families.
TSI said the increase could have instead supported government priorities, including the GREAT Coalition Government’s commitment to investing in people and improving access to services.
The organisation said the issue was not simply whether the PEC had the power to approve the increase, but whether the decision reflected the economic realities faced by citizens.
“Whether one is employed, self-employed or otherwise, everyone is experiencing the same economic environment,” TSI said.
“People across Solomon Islands are facing the same rising costs of goods and services.”
TSI urged the PEC to consider affordability and the living standards of ordinary Solomon Islanders when making future decisions on parliamentary remuneration.
It also referred to Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s statement that elected leaders are servants of the people, not their masters, saying this principle must be reflected through government decisions and actions.
TSI said political leaders must demonstrate servant leadership, particularly when making decisions involving public funds.
“The people deserve to know why the increase was approved,” TSI said.
“The explanation provided by the Chairman of the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission is insufficient.”
TSI called on the GREAT Coalition Government to ensure fairness, transparency and accountability guide decisions affecting public resources.
The organisation maintained that Members of Parliament are already adequately compensated through salaries and other publicly funded benefits, including allowances and official support.
It said the salary increase should be reconsidered in the interest of fairness and public confidence.
“The people are the masters of democracy. Leaders are entrusted to serve them,” TSI said.