BY MORRIS NAFU
The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC), in collaboration with the Public Service, has finalised the Public Service 2025 bill ahead of Parliament session next week.
Ministry of Public Service presented the redrafted bill before the BLC in parliament yesterday.
The final draft was completed by the Public Service Bills Committee, led by Permanent Secretary Luke Cheka, following recommendations from the BLC and input from various stakeholders during last month’s BLC hearings.
PS Cheka confirmed to the BLC that the committee has incorporated a few changes based on earlier feedback, after close consultations with relevant parties.
Cheka further added that the other clauses remain unchanged, as advised by the Public Service legal drafting team.
BLC Chairman John Maneniaru praised the Public Service Bills Committee for their diligent work in preparing the bill and expressed confidence about presenting it to Parliament soon.
“We await your final outcomes and will proceed with the report accordingly.
“I can say with confidence that we are ready to present the bill to the House of Parliament.
“By midweek, we expect to know the full impact of the final drafting on the various clauses,” Maneniaru said.
The current Public Service Act of 1988 has served the nation for more than 30 years.
However, evolving governance demands, service delivery expectations, and accountability standards call for a modern legislative framework.
The new bill aims to strengthen integrity, boost efficiency, and ensure recruitment, promotion, and management are based on merit and fairness.
Cheka explained that the present bill is a 12th edition of drafts reflects ongoing reforms and consultations from 2010 through to last year, marking a significant milestone in establishing the framework governing Solomon Islands’ Public Service.
It also introduces clear accountability mechanisms, professional standards, and leadership principles aligned with national development goals and international best practices.
“For the Ministry, this legislation is about more than just rules—it’s about ensuring the public service remains fit for purpose and ready to meet future challenges,” said PS Cheka.
The bill’s objectives include establishing an independent, high-performing public service that delivers responsive and effective services to government and citizens.
It provides a framework for organizational structure, human resource management, and promotes transparency and accountability in public service governance.
Additionally, it defines the roles and responsibilities of key officials, outlines the rights and obligations of public service employees, and supports uniform employment practices based on merit, fairness, and equal opportunity.
The bill also emphasizes training and development for public servants.
The bill is structured into several parts covering preliminary matters, interpretation, scope, principles and code of conduct, roles and responsibilities, employment management, workforce development, employment conduct, grievances, relations, offices and penalties, embezzlement and repeal provisions.
The bill is now set to be formally presented to the BLC and is expected to be tabled in Parliament during the upcoming sitting on Monday, October 13, 2025.
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