MMERE advances mining and energy law reforms through consultations with the Legislative and Policy Sub-Committee
Honiara, 23 July 2026: The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) today hosted the Legislative and Policy Cabinet Sub-Committee for the second in a series of consultations aimed at fast-tracking the Ministry’s legislative and policy reform programme.
The initiative aligns with the Government’s priority policy objectives and broader reform agenda.
The Legislative and Policy Cabinet Sub-Committee provides in-house legal and policy support to ministries to ensure priority legislation and policy reforms are developed and implemented promptly.
The Sub-Committee comprises Francis Waleanisia, Ronald Dive and Yvonne Ogaoga — all experienced legal practitioners with expertise in litigation, legislative review and policy development. It is also supported by two legislative drafters from the Attorney General’s Chambers Drafting Division, Kerrie Faradatolo and Doris Tabepuda.
Sub-Committee Chair, Mr Francis Waleanisia, welcomed MMERE’s commitment to the reform agenda.
“I am very pleased with the Permanent Secretary and his senior management team. Their willingness to engage reflects the Prime Minister’s call for everyone to work hard to deliver meaningful change,” Mr Waleanisia said.
“Real change does not happen by magic — we all have a responsibility to play our part in making it happen.”
He said the collaborative engagement between the Prime Minister’s Office political unit and line ministries represents a new approach to supporting Government reforms.
“This kind of engagement between the PMO political unit and ministries is new to all of us, but I believe it is the right approach to driving progress and ensuring Government priorities are translated into action,” he said.
Mr Waleanisia noted that mining remains a key priority for the Government, making the completion of the Minerals Bill 2025 a matter of urgency.
“Mining is a major focus for the present Government. Finalising the review of the Minerals Bill 2025 is therefore a priority,” he said.
Other priority reforms include new legislative and policy frameworks for electricity, water, petroleum and gas, geological surveys, and institutional strengthening.
He said the reforms are necessary to respond to emerging national challenges, including the impacts of climate change, the rising cost of living, the increasing availability of affordable alternative energy sources, rapid technological advancement, and the need to strengthen institutional frameworks.
The ongoing consultations are expected to modernise MMERE’s legislative and policy framework to better address these challenges while supporting sustainable development and economic growth.
On the implementation timeline, Mr Waleanisia acknowledged the programme is operating under demanding deadlines.
“We have been given very tight deadlines, so the positive response and commitment demonstrated by the Permanent Secretary and his senior staff are both encouraging and reassuring. With this level of cooperation, I am confident we can make significant progress,” he said.
Source:// GCU PRESS RELEASE
