BY JOY OFASIA
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has revealed that the proposed free education policy from Early Childhood Education (ECE) to Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and TAFE could cost an additional $1.1 billion.
PM Wale made the statement in Parliament on Monday while moving for the House to adjourn sine die.
He said the Government has concerns about some of the figures and assumptions used to calculate the cost of the policy.
“We have a total costing that the ministry had given, which is $1.1 billion of extra money just for the free education roll-out from ECE to SINU and TAFE,” PM Wale said.
He said the figures have been sent back to the responsible ministry and education sector for further review.
The Prime Minister said the Government wants to make sure the final policy is realistic and can be properly implemented.
“Once we are clear on it, we will have a bipartisan discussion about what is in and what is not in before it comes back to the House,” he said.
PM Wale also praised the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for its work in checking Government spending and policies.
He said the PAC must be given enough time to examine the budget and question ministries about their programmes.
“It is not partisan politics or anything like that. It is an essential core function of parliamentary oversight and we must embrace it,” he said.
PM Wale also called for ministers to explain new policy changes directly to the PAC.
He said this would allow Parliament to deal with important questions before the budget reaches the Committee of Supply.
The Prime Minister said he hopes Parliament can return before Christmas after ministries complete the budget process.
He then moved for the current parliamentary meeting to end and for Parliament to adjourn sine die.
“Therefore, I move that at the adjournment of Parliament on Monday, 7th September 2026, the present meeting shall be concluded and Parliament shall then stand adjourned sine die,” he said.
