17 Oct 2016

Solomons NGO disappointed by tax step

From , 4:03 pm on 17 October 2016

The head of Transparency Solomon Islands says a court's decision to affirm tax free salaries for MPs is a big step back for the country's transparency efforts.

On Friday, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court ruling that declared the decision made last year by the Parliamentary Entitlements Committee, which has MPs sitting on it, was unconstitutional.

In its judgement, the Court of Appeal said that, while unpopular, the committee's decision was legal.

The executive officer of Transparency, Ruth Liloqula, told Jamie Tahana the decision is extremely disappointing.