Committee Menu
Select Committees
- Bills and Legislation Committee
- Constitution Review Committee
- Education & Human Resources Training Committee
- Environmental & Conservation Committee
- Foreign Relations Committee
- Health & Medical Services Committee
- Parliamentary House Committee
- Police, National Security & Correctional Services Committee
- Public Accounts Committee
- Public Expenditure Committee
BLC
Bills and Legislation Committee
The Parliament refers most bills (proposed law) to the Bills and Legislation Committee. This Committee is responsible for reviewing all the draft legislation before they are introduced into Parliament and makes a written report to each meeting of Parliament containing the observations and recommendations arising from the Committee's deliberations. It also examines subsidiary legislation to ensure that it is compliant with the Act under which it is made. The functions of the Committee are specified under Standing Order 71.
After a bill has been referred to it by Parliament, this committee then calls for public submissions mainly through newspaper advertisements and by contacting organizations and individuals with a known interest in the legislation. People can be asked to give an oral presentation to the committee, in addition to providing written submissions. This makes the legislative process very accessible and can result in significant changes.
CRC
Constitution Review Committee
This committee is basically responsible for reviewing the Constitution regularly. Once they have done their review, they usually advise the government on the changes that they see as necessary. They also request written submissions from members of the public, whether it be individuals or groups that have an interest in the proposed changes.
This committee not only reviews the Constitution, but they also deal with the issues arising from the use, abuse or misuse of constitutional powers, rights and responsibilities.
EHRTC
Education & Human Resources Training Committee
This committee is responsible to examines and reports on matters refers to it by Parliament or Government on issues relating to education and human resources development in the Solomon Islands.
ECC
Environmental & Conservation Committee
This Committee examines and monitors environmental issues that are pertinent to Solomon Islands' situation. It ensures the government adopts appropriate measures to sufficiently cater for emerging challenges posed by environmental changes. The Committee is also responsible to examine and monitor the measures taken by the government to implement national and provincial environmental legislation and such other matters relevant to satisfying Solomon Islands' international obligations.
FRC
Foreign Relations Committee
The Foreign Relations Committee handles matters that are to do with the foreign relations of Solomon Islands. Its primary purpose is to make observations and recommendations to Parliament and to the relevant government department(s). First of all, this committee is responsible for recommending the establishment of new diplomatic and consular relations. It also nominates persons to be appointed as Ambassadors and High Commissioners to represent Solomon Islands in any other country or international organization. Standing Order 71B
Another key area of responsibility of the Foreign Relations Committee is to make recommendations to the government concerning the accession to, signing, and ratification of international treaties and conventions. This committee also looks into the receiving of foreign assistance and how it is administered. An example in the Solomon Islands would be RAMSI. Overall, this committee acts as a watchdog on how the government conducts its foreign policy.
HMSC
Health & Medical Services Committee
The functions of the Health and Medical Services Committee are to examine, scrutinize, and make recommendations on matters referred to it by Parliament or Government regarding health and medical services.
PHC
Parliamentary House Committee
This is the committee that looks after the general welfare of both the Members of Parliament and the staff. It deals with issues such as the terms and conditions of service for members, management and administration of facilities and properties of Parliament, and all other matters connected with parliamentary business for its meetings and sittings.
PNSCSC
Police, National Security & Correctional Services Committee
The Police and National Security Committee is established to enquire into, make observation and recommendations on matters referred to it by Parliament or Government on issues relating to correctional services, police and national security.
PAC
Public Accounts Committee
One of the key responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee is to examine the public accounts prescribed by Section 38 of the Finance and Audit Act 1978, together with the report of the Auditor General. The PAC can also summon any public officer to give information, provide an explanation, or produce any records or documents requested by the committee.
Another main area of responsibility of the PAC is to consider the Draft Estimates prepared by the Government in support of the Annual Appropriation Bill. The committee can also summon the Accounting Officers and technical staff of Ministries and Departments to provide background information and explanations in relation to the Draft Estimates. Standing Order 69
PEC
Public Expenditure Committee
The Public Expenditure Committee is responsible for examining and monitoring government spending to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively, efficiently, and transparently in accordance with approved budgets and financial regulations. This committee reviews expenditure reports, investigates cases of financial mismanagement, and provides recommendations to Parliament for improving financial oversight and accountability. It has the authority to summon government officials, scrutinize financial records, and assess the implementation of government programs to ensure value for money. The committee plays a critical role in safeguarding public funds and maintaining public confidence in government spending practices.