Massive increases in MPs’ salaries and allowances being proposed
THE Government has proposed massive increases in Members of Parliament (MPs) salaries, terminal grants and clothing allowances, amongst others in a move which could ignite fresh debate over the nation’s ability to pay.
The Solomon Star has obtained a draft of the proposed changes, which would see new salary rates for Members of Parliament (MP), including the Prime Minister.
These changes are expected to come into effect from April next year.
Under the proposed changes to be incorporated in the 2022 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations (PER), the new annual salary shall be:
Prime Minister – $318, 696.70 per annum;
Deputy Prime Minister – $287, 461.08 per annum
Ministers, Opposition Leader,
Leader of The Independent Group – $250, 924.45 per annum
Deputy Speaker, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Caucus,
Chairperson of Parliamentary Standing Committee – $227, 392.99 per annum
Ordinary Members – $205, 768.17 per annum
The proposed new annual salary rate is an increase of around $10,000 to that of the 2019 salary structure.
As well, the Government has proposed increasing the Terminal Grants for MPs to $500, 000 per term – an increase of $100, 000 more over the current rate, arguing the new rate is in line with the five-year term proposed for Parliament.
It has also proposed that Constituency Allowance be set at $30, 000 per annum right across the board, instead of the current zoning system.
The proposed changes also include raising the level of loans by MPs to $400, 000 during a term of Parliament. This is an increase of $300, 000 more over the current level and will be guaranteed by the Government.
Clothing allowance is also up for a review. Under the government proposal, this should be paid every year, instead of the current arrangement, which restricts the clothing allowance to one payment every term and is restricted to overseas visits.
Cabinet sub-committees will so be accorded the same benefits as Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee and will be incorporated in the PER, according to the documents.
By Alfred Sasako
Newsroom, Honiara
