Justice sector begins 2027 planning and budgeting to align priorities, resources and justice services with national needs.
Honiara, 24 August 2026: The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) Headquarters has officially commenced its critical 2027 Annual Work Planning and Budgeting Workshop at the Heritage Park Hotel Conference Room. The two-day workshop is being held on 21 and 24 August 2026.
The high-level workshop brings together senior officers from MJLA Headquarters, Heads of Legal Agencies, the National Judiciary and key development partners supporting the Solomon Islands justice sector. The workshop provides a coordinated planning platform to review implementation progress for 2026 and establish a solid and unified foundation for the joint MJLA and National Judiciary 2027 Annual Work Plan (AWP) and Budget.
The development of the 2027 AWP is strategically scheduled ahead of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) Budget Strategy, which normally takes place around September or October of each year. This proactive timing enables MJLA, its Legal Agencies and the National Judiciary to identify, prioritise and cost the interventions required to deliver justice sector results before the Government’s indicative budget parameters and resource envelope are confirmed. This ensures that proposed activities are driven by strategic priorities, agency mandates, aligned to the GREAT Coalition Policy priorities and identified community needs, rather than being determined solely by available budget allocations.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of MJLA, Ms. Pauline McNeil, emphasised that the workshop provides a structured opportunity to reflect on progress, achievements, challenges and lessons from the 2025 and 2026 implementation cycles, and to use these findings to develop a realistic, achievable and prioritised plan for 2027.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted the importance of working together as a justice sector, stressing that the sector will achieve more through collective effort, coordination and shared commitment. As she reminded participants of the well-known proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” The message underscored the importance of collaboration among MJLA Headquarters, the Legal Agencies, the National Judiciary and development partners in delivering better justice outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands.
Following her address, Mr. Wilson Karamui, Policy Secretary of the Fundamental Sector at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), presented on the GREAT Coalition Policy Priorities, ensuring that justice sector planning is aligned with the Government’s national policy directions.
The workshop features comprehensive status updates and financial briefs from both MJLA Headquarters and the National Judiciary, led by their respective Financial Controllers. Presentations are also being delivered by the Legal Agencies, including the Public Solicitor’s Office (PSO), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Registrar General’s Office (RGO), and Law Reform Commission (LRC). These presentations highlight key achievements, current implementation status and emerging challenges to inform the development of the 2027 AWP.
Current development partners, including the DFAT, through the Australia–Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice (ASIPJ), and UNICEF, are presenting updates on their current and anticipated technical and financial support as added resource filling in the budgetary gaps for the Justice Sector.
The workshop will conclude with agreed and targeted priorities for each respective agency, clearly defined responsibilities, and timelines for planning and budgeting, ensuring that the justice sector is fully prepared and ready for implementation commencing in January 2027.
SOURCE// GCU PRESS RELEASE
