Opposition Leader Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP has questioned the seriousness of the GREAT Coalition Government’s 2027 policy commitments while Parliament is being asked to authorise government spending without a full 2027 Budget.
Speaking on the motion on Authorisation of Expenditure in Advance of the 2027 Appropriation in Parliament, Opposition Leader Sogavare said the Government’s major commitments including Free Education, health, infrastructure, public-sector reforms, energy, rural development and youth programs require clear funding through the 2027 Budget.
He questioned how the Government can promise nationwide Free Education from January 2027 without first showing Parliament exactly how the policy will be funded and implemented.
“A Government that is serious about delivery should not defer the fiscal test of its program. It should bring the figures to Parliament.”
The Opposition Leader called on the Minister of Finance to bring a full 2027 Appropriation Bill before the end of the 2026 financial year.
He emphasized, this would give certainty to parents, schools, public servants, businesses and provinces about what Government can fund.
Protect parliamentary oversight by allowing MPs to scrutinise revenue, spending, liabilities and financing plans.
It will also test the Free Education promise by showing its full cost, coverage and funding arrangements.
Further, it strengthens accountability by allowing Parliament to debate the Government’s complete financial programme.
Mr. Sogavare also caution GREAT against making the use of section 103(1) a normal practice when there is sufficient time to prepare and pass a full Appropriation Act.
“The Government cannot have it both ways. It cannot announce major new policies while avoiding the financial provisions required to deliver them,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said the central issue is whether Government policies have been properly translated into costed, funded, lawful and deliverable programs.
