5 Sep 2009

Solomon Islands govt says public consultation can only go so far

9:20 am on 5 September 2009

The Solomon Islands government says public consultation on a bill aimed at achieving political stability can only go so far.

The comment follows public workshops on the Political Parties Integrity Bill and the Enabling Constitutional Amendment Bill, which go before parliament at the end of the month.

The chairperson of the Government's Working Committee on the integrity bill, John Keniapisia, says public feedback has been positive but any constructive amendments will be put to the government caucus.

"In addition what they are just saying is that we need more consultations now. We'll have to advise cabinet and caucus on that but my feeling is that consultation must stop at certain level and then we must move on with things."

John Keniapisia says in the past 30 years a weak political party system has created political instability and allowed politicians to behave badly and the parties integrity bill will stop this.