Three Bills Cleared for Publication, Four Pending Translation, Cleared Soon

Three bills have been approved for publication after being translated into French and English, while four other bills are still undergoing translation. The release of these bills marks an important step forward in the government's legislative work, laying the groundwork for subsequent parliamentary review.

The bills ready for publication include the Public Finance and Economic Management (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Teaching Service (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Government Contracts and Tenders (Amendment) Bill 2025. These bills cover key areas such as public finance, education services, and government contract management.

The Public Finance and Economic Management (Amendment) Bill increases the amount of funds that can be drawn from public funds, raising the limit from 2% to 10% of the total appropriation under the annual appropriation bill for the fiscal year. This adjustment aims to enhance the government's flexibility in responding to urgent needs and unforeseen circumstances, addressing the current inadequacy of the 2% limit to meet government obligations and service demands.

The Teaching Service (Amendment) Bill aims to strengthen cooperation between the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET). The bill introduces several reforms, such as replacing the Executive Officer of the Vanuatu National Training Council (VNTC) with the Director of Policy and Planning of the Ministry of Education and Training in the TSC. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that vacant chairperson positions must be advertised and allows the President, on the advice of the Minister, to appoint an acting chairperson from among the current members of the Commission. The bill also authorizes the TSC to appoint teachers, principals, and other educational personnel in government and aided non-government schools, as well as early childhood and adult education institutions.

The Government Contracts and Tenders (Amendment) Bill revises key aspects of the Government Contracts and Tenders Act \[CAP 245]. It strengthens the appointment process for the Chairman of the Central Tenders Board and improves contract approval procedures. Revisions include the establishment of an evaluation committee to ensure a transparent and merit-based appointment process. Furthermore, individuals who violate the Act will be held personally liable for any loss or damage caused as a result. The bill also takes precedence over conflicting procurement-related legislation, addresses the issue of attendance fees for committee members, and repeals current exemption clauses.

The other four bills—the Appropriation Bill, the Virtual Asset Service Provider Bill, the Evidence Bill, and the Regulations Bill—are still being translated into French and English before they can be published. A total of seven bills will be presented by the responsible ministers at the first special session of Parliament next Monday, marking the first legislative review of the 14th legislature following the recent elections.