Members of Solomon Islands Parliament have received another salary increase – the second in just two years – despite the continuing economic challenges facing Solomon Islanders.
The newly amended 2026 Parliamentary Entitlements Regulations (PER), obtained by In-depth Solomons, reveal that the salaries of all MPs have increased again following a substantial pay rise approved in 2024.
The latest increase took effect on 01 April 2026, according to Nigel Maezama, Chairman of the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC), the independent body responsible for reviewing and determining MPs’ salaries and entitlements.
Under the new regulations, Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s annual salary has increased to SBD454,659.43(US$57112.58), up from SBD428,560.12(US$53,219) under the 2024 regulations.
Ordinary MPs will now earn SBD288,615.02(US$35,805) a year, up from SBD272,047.34(US$33,047)
The revised annual salaries are:
*Deputy Prime Minister: SBD408,687.10(US$50,705) up from SBD385,226.79 (US$47,841)
*Ministers, Opposition Leader and Independent Group Leader: SBD354,912.78(US$44,081) up from SBD334,539.33(US$41,571)
*Deputy Speaker and Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons: SBD320,279.37(US$39,803) up from SBD301,894.02(US$37,507)
The latest adjustments continue a sharp upward trend in MPs’ remuneration since the major review in 2024.
The increase is likely to reignite public debate over parliamentary salaries, a contentious issue in Solomon Islands as many households continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, economic hardship and ongoing challenges in essential public services.
The pay rise is also politically significant because Prime Minister Wale was among the strongest critics of the previous increase when he served as Opposition Leader in 2024.
At the time, Wale described the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission’s decision to increase MPs’ salaries as “untimely and insensitive.”
He argued the increases could not be justified while the country was struggling with economic hardship, a health system under pressure, deteriorating roads and challenges in the education sector.
Wale said the decision was “a slap in the face to every Solomon Islander struggling to make ends meet.”
He also stated during the last election campaign that he would abolish PEC if he comes to power.
In-depth Solomons has sought comment from the Prime Minister’s Office on the latest increase, which was approved before the GREAT Coalition Government came to power in May 2026.
PEC Chairman Maezama said the Commission approved the increase because MPs had not received the 3 percent Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for 2024 and 2025.
He said the Commission made its decision after consultations with, and receiving advice from, the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
