The Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) of the National Parliament will begin a provincial inquiry into the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 and the Value Added Tax Bill 2025 in Isabel Province.
Committee members will depart Honiara 16 March 2026, with public hearings scheduled to begin in Buala on 17 March.
The inquiry is intended to give leaders, stakeholders and communities an opportunity to present their views, experiences and concerns on the two proposed pieces of legislation.
Discussions are expected to focus on issues relating to mineral exploration and mining activities, as well as the proposed value-added tax system.
The Mineral Resources Bill 2025 seeks to modernise the legal framework governing mineral exploration and mining in Solomon Islands. Key provisions address licensing arrangements, land access, environmental protection and benefit-sharing for landowners and communities.
Meanwhile, the Value Added Tax Bill 2025 proposes the introduction of a VAT system to replace the Goods Tax Act (Cap. 122), Sales Tax Act (Cap. 125) and Stamp Duties Act (Cap. 126). The proposed reform aims to strengthen government revenue while improving the efficiency of the national taxation system.
The committee began its inquiry into the Mineral Resources Bill in September 2025, conducting hearings in Honiara and Guadalcanal Province. Provincial visits form part of the committee’s effort to gather views from communities across the country before presenting its findings and recommendations to Parliament.
During the visit to Isabel Province, the committee will also pay a courtesy call on the provincial premier and the Isabel Provincial Executive.
Meetings are also planned with the provincial secretary, the speaker of the provincial assembly and the clerk to the assembly ahead of the public hearings.
Witnesses expected to appear before the committee include provincial government representatives, provincial administration officials, community leaders, landowners, civil society organisations and members of the private sector.
Members of the Bills and Legislation Committee travelling to Isabel Province are Chairman John Maneniaru; Leader of Opposition Matthew Cooper Wale; Leader of the Independent Group Manasseh Maelanga; John Deane Kuku; George Temahua; David Gina; and Freda Tuki.
Staff from the National Parliament Office will accompany the committee to provide administrative, research and logistical support during the inquiry.
The delegation is expected to return to Honiara after the completion of hearings on 20 March 2026.
