30 Jan 2018

Solomons PM slashes political staff and govt privileges

3:47 pm on 30 January 2018

The Solomon Islands prime minister has cut dozens of public consultants this week in a bid to reduce the size of his government.

Solomons PM, Rick Hou

Solomons PM, Rick Hou Photo: Solomon Star

The Solomon Business Magazine reports Rick Hou halved the number of political appointees from 60 to 30.

Mr Hou also terminated all government vehicle lease agreements and reduced the number of government mobile phone accounts by almost 60 percent.

Mr Hou said the cost cutting measure was part of his Government's effort to manage the country's fiscal situation.

He said the move also included a review of the remaining appointee salaries and benefits, with reductions being made where necessary.

He told Solomon Business Magazine, strict regulations will come into effect from next month for government vehicle hire and mobile phone usage because past abuses have cost the government millions of dollars.

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