BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has expressed deep disappointment over the Australian Government’s decision to revoke its commitment to a 30-hour work week for Pacific Islands workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, a move described as a betrayal of Pacific partners and workers’ rights.

SICTU in a strong statement said the reversal represents not just a policy change, but “a significant setback for workers’ rights and a breach of trust that undermines the very spirit of partnership” the PALM scheme was built on.

SICTU National Secretary Adrian Tuhanuku said the decision effectively abandons Pacific workers who contribute to the Australian economy under challenging conditions.

“Our counterparts at the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) have rightly fought for Pacific workers to receive the same standard working conditions as their Australian counterparts,” Mr. Tuhanuku said.

“The 30-hour work week was a hard-won victory for fairness and dignity. Its revocation is a betrayal of that progress and leaves our workers vulnerable once again.”

He said the policy reversal maintains the outdated 120-hour monthly average, a loophole that allows employers to vary work hours from week to week, often resulting in long periods of underemployment and lost income.

“This decision prioritises employer flexibility over the physical and mental health of our workers.

“It risks institutionalising a lower standard of working conditions for Pacific workers doing the same jobs as Australians,” Tuhanuku said.

SICTU also criticised the timing of the announcement, just weeks before the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility General Meeting scheduled to take place in Honiara from 3–6 November, calling it “disrespectful and diplomatically insensitive.”

“To make such a unilateral decision on the eve of a meeting to be hosted here in our capital, where we are meant to engage as equal partners, is a severe diplomatic misstep,” Tuhanuku said.

SICTU has called on the Solomon Islands Government to raise the issue at the highest bilateral level with Canberra and seek an official explanation from the Australian Federal Government, noting that the reversal has not been announced on the official PALM scheme website.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) also condemned the Albanese Government’s decision, warning that more than 14,000 PALM workers across the Pacific will be worse off every year as a result of the policy backflip.

In a media release issued on 15 October 2025, ACTU said the government’s move to abandon the guaranteed 30-hour work week “is a backwards step for workers’ rights in Australia.”

“Employers can hold the PALM program to ransom by threatening to use backpackers instead of PALM workers every time changes are made to prevent exploitation,” ACTU President Michele O’Neil said.

“Workers’ rights should not be discounted for migrant workers. The Government must take extra steps to protect these vulnerable workers and ensure they are not exploited on this program.”

ACTU said that without a weekly minimum, PALM workers could again face situations where they work insufficient hours to meet living costs or repay debts for accommodation and transport — deductions often controlled by their employers.

The union movement in both countries is urging the Australian Government to reinstate the 30-hour minimum by April 2026, as originally promised, and ensure transparency and consultation with Pacific governments and trade unions in future decisions.

Both ACTU and SICTU reaffirm their support for the PALM scheme as a mechanism for mutual benefit and skills development, but stressed that its credibility depends on fair and equal treatment for Pacific workers.

“The PALM scheme must continue to be a vehicle for mutual benefit and shared prosperity, not a source of exploitation and broken promises.

“The Australian Government must reverse this decision and honour its commitment to fair work for our people. The credibility of the entire scheme among Pacific workers depends on it,” Tuhanuku said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Stephen Kumi, says the modernisation of the public service is crucial as the country moves forward.

Speaking during the debate on the Public Service Bill 2025 in Parliament last week, Kumi highlighted that as the nation plans for the future of public service delivery, modernisation is not just necessary, it is imminent.

He noted that the new bill strengthens the legal framework guiding service delivery, while introducing modern systems and technologies that will enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and the ability to address emerging challenges.

Kumi also emphasised the importance of integrity among public servants, stating that ethical values such as honesty and moral uprightness must be upheld.

“It ensures that government employees serve with integrity, respect, and dedication—thereby enhancing public trust and confidence in government services,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of the principle of merit in public service, noting that appointments, promotions, and rewards should be based on ability, performance, and qualifications rather than favouritism or political interference.

“The principle of merit requires a strong legal framework. This means clear laws and regulations must govern how the public service operates,” Kumi explained.

He added that such a framework should also establish fair remuneration packages, define organisational structures, and provide legal guidelines to ensure the public service functions effectively and consistently.

Drawing from over nine years of experience working in the provinces, Kumi recommended that disciplinary committees be decentralised to better address misconduct at the provincial level.

“There are public servants in the provinces abusing their powers—some even misuse government vehicles,” he said.

Kumi concluded by reiterating that the push for modernisation aims to build a professional, ethical, and capable public service that operates with transparency and effectiveness.

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Trade Union questions govt move towards defence force amid many unresolved welfare and resource challenges with RSIPF

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) is questioning the government’s plan to establish a Solomon Islands Defence Force (SIDF), saying it is misguided and ill-timed while the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) continues to face serious welfare and resource challenges.

In a strong worded statement, SICTU President Tony Kagovai said the union recognises the government’s intentions to strengthen national sovereignty and self-reliance but believes such ambitions are misplaced when the country’s existing security institutions are struggling.

“The government must first fix the foundations before building something new,” Kagovai said.

“How can we talk about forming a defence force when the RSIPF, our primary security institution, is being systematically failed?”

According to Kagovai, the government, through the Minister of Police and National Security, Jimson Tanangada has outlined the proposed defence force as means to fill capability gaps in maritime surveillance, border protection, disaster response, humanitarian relief, and national emergencies.

But SICTU argues that the RSIPF already has a Maritime Department that performs many of these functions, including patrols of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“Before spending vast public resources on a new defence structure, the government must explain why the existing RSIPF capacities are deemed insufficient and why investment cannot be scaled within the current framework,” Kagovai said.

He said SICTU’s main concern is not just about structure, but about priorities while the government talks about future security capacity, it continues to neglect the welfare of police and correctional officers who currently bear the country’s security burden.

Kagovai also raised alarm over what he describes as deliberate interference by the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services in delaying the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Solomon Islands Police Officers Association (SIPOA) — the official body representing RSIPF and Correctional Services officers.

He said despite approval from the Police Commissioner, the Ministry’s Human Resources Directorate has continued to block the meeting.

“This is not an administrative oversight; it is a deliberate attempt to silence the collective voice of our officers,” Kagovai said.

“How can the government talk about nation-building and resilience when it actively suppresses those on the front line?”

SICTU further highlighted the ongoing welfare crisis faced by police and their families due to the lack of an active SIPOA body.

The union said officers continue to endure difficult working conditions, low pay, and inadequate support for their mental and physical wellbeing despite carrying heavy responsibilities in disaster response, maritime security, and public safety.

“These men and women serve our nation with dedication, yet their welfare is neglected. There is no proper platform to advocate for their needs,” Kagovai said.

In its statement, SICTU outlined three immediate actions it wants from the government:

• Address Current Failings First: Drop the Defence Force proposal and focus on strengthening the RSIPF and Correctional Services with adequate funding and support.
• End Interference with SIPOA: Direct the Permanent Secretary and HR Directorate to facilitate the SIPOA AGM without further delay.
• Commit to Welfare Dialogue: Enter into genuine dialogue with a duly elected SIPOA board to address officers’ welfare and working conditions.

Kagovai concluded that any talk of a defence force is meaningless unless the RSIPF, the foundation of national security, is properly supported.

“A defence force can only be a strategic investment if it stands on a solid foundation. Right now, that foundation is cracking. The government must fix the welfare and morale of our police before building anything new,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Culture and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Ngella constituency, Choylin Yim Douglas, believes the Public Service Bill 2025 will lay a foundation for a renewed culture within the public service.

She made the statement when contributing to the second reading of the bill in parliament last week, highlighting the objectives of the bill.

The minister highlighted two important areas, customer service and cultural obligation, where public servants often get criticized for.

“Too often, our public servants are criticized for poor customer service, for not treating clients, visitors, or members of the public with courtesy and respect.

“This must change. The public service must remember that we are here to serve the people.

“Every interaction between a public officer and a member of the public reflects the face of government,” Choylin said.

She emphasized that good customer service must become an essential part of our work culture, built on respect, empathy, and professionalism.

The minister said another important issue is cultural obligations, as it sometimes affects work ethics within the public service.

“We all value our culture. It defines who we are as Solomon Islanders.

“However, when cultural obligations interfere with the performance of duties, for example, absenteeism due to prolonged social or cultural engagements, it affects productivity and undermines the efficiency of the public service,” she stated.

The MP stressed that clear codes of conduct and accountability mechanisms within the bill will help to strike a balance.

“This is by respecting our culture but also ensuring that public servants uphold their professional duties and responsibilities.

“Beyond this, the bill also reinforces the principles of professionalism, good governance, ethical leadership, and honesty within the public service.

“It emphasizes merit-based employment, integrity in decision-making, and accountability for results.

“These are the hallmarks of a modern, effective and trusted public service, one that delivers for the people and upholds the values of transparency and fairness,” she said.

The minister expressed her strong support for the bill, as it represents a bold and necessary step forward in transforming the public service into one that is more dynamic, professional, and truly dedicated to serving the nation.

“I believe this bill will lay the foundation of a renewed public service culture, one built on excellence, integrity, and service to the people of Solomon Islands,” she said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal constituency, Mary Daniella Garu, says the Public Service Bill 2025 will help to address long-standing gaps and bring much-needed reforms to the Public Service of the country.

Contributing to the debate on the second reading of the bill in parliament last week, the first-time MP described the bill as a transformative piece of legislation.

“As someone who has served in the public service, I speak from experience when I say this bill addresses long-standing gaps and introduces much-needed reforms.

“This bill introduces a robust performance management framework, a system that will ensure accountability, transparency, and merit-based progression within our public institutions.

“It establishes professional standards in a dedicated professional standard unit, which will help restore public confidence in the integrity of our service,” she said.

Moreover, Garu underscored the prioritization of the bill, especially on workforce development and training for public servants.

She emphasized that the bill provides a structured approach to identifying skills, gaps, building capacity, and nurturing future leaders within the public sector.

“This is not just about efficiency. It is about empowering our people to serve with excellence.

“I believe this bill lays the foundation for a modern, responsive, and people-centred public service. It also aligns with our national vision for good governance and sustainable development.

“But more importantly, it reflects our collective aspiration for a public service that is fair, inclusive, and accountable to the people it serves,” the MP added.

As a former public servant, she witnessed these shortfalls within the organization, which she believes can now be addressed through this upgraded piece of legislation.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, has assured parliament that recommendations made by the Bills and Legislative Committee on the Public Service Bill 2025 will be looked at.

The recommendations were presented in the BLC report, and compiled during the consultation stage of the bill that was carried out with government line ministries, CSO, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

According to PM Manele, the Bills and Legislation Committee report made 67 recommendations on the bill.

Speaking during the debate on the second reading of Public Service Bill 2025 last week, he explained that about 10 of the recommendations were for new clauses or policy suggestions, while 57 recommendations were based on the clauses of the bill.

“As highlighted by the Minister of Public Service, we will look at these recommendations during the committee stage of our deliberations next week.

“And where possible, we will accommodate or take on board the agenda and use Standing Order 51 to accommodate some of these recommendations,” he said.

Manele said his brief examination of the recommendations highlights important areas with the public service in the country.  

“My cursory inspection of the accepted recommendations emphasizes legal clarity, ethical governance, and institutional accountability across the Solomon Islands Public Service,” he said.

The PM thanked the chairman and members of the Bills and Legislation Committee for putting together the recommendations for consideration in the bill.

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