The National Parliament of Solomon Islands on Monday 7th September has passed Motion No. 26 – Motion on Resolution under Section 103(1) of the Constitution, authorising the Minister for Finance and Treasury to issue monies from the Consolidated Fund to meet necessary public expenditure pending the coming into operation of the Appropriation Act 2027.
The Motion was moved by the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Rexon Ramofafia, in accordance with Section 103(1) of the Constitution.
The resolution seeks to ensure the continued provision of public services at a level not exceeding that of the previous financial year, for a period of up to four months from the beginning of the 2027 financial year, or until the Appropriation Act 2027 comes into operation, whichever occurs earlier.
In moving the Motion, Minister Ramofafia explained that the Government intends to approach the preparation of the 2027 Budget differently and requires sufficient time to undertake the necessary preparations.
The Minister stated that the Government wants to do things differently, emphasising the need for adequate time to prepare the 2027 Appropriation Bill, which he indicated would involve a significantly larger set of budget estimates compared with previous appropriations.
The Motion was subject to calls from several Members for its withdrawal.
The Leader of Opposition, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, the Leader of the Independent Group, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, and the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Paul Bosawai, called on the Finance Minister to withdraw the Motion.
The concerns raised during the debate centred on the proposed duration and the need for Parliament to maintain appropriate scrutiny and oversight of public expenditure through the annual appropriation process.
Following the debate, the Motion was put to the House and was passed by the National Parliament.
The passage of the resolution provides the constitutional authority necessary for the Government to continue meeting expenditure required to maintain public services at the commencement of the 2027 financial year while the 2027 Appropriation Bill is being prepared and considered by Parliament.
The resolution is therefore intended to provide continuity in the delivery of public services during the transition into the 2027 financial year, while allowing the Government sufficient time to complete the preparation of the 2027 Budget estimates and the Appropriation Bill.
The National Parliament will continue to exercise its constitutional role in scrutinising and considering the proposed 2027 Appropriation Bill when it is presented to the House.
