Solomons MPs' pockets filled as parliament draws to a close

The Solomon Islands parliament has just voted to pay each MP SI$400,000 [ $US47,400].

Called terminal grants they are paid to MPs, over and above their salaries, at the end of a parliamentary term as the country prepares for elections.

Solomon Islands is set for elections in March next year.

Transparency Solomon Islands has long campaigned to do something but its spokeperson, Ruth Liloqula, says this money, which comes to a total of SI$20-million, or $US2.37 million, is tax free.

She explained to Don Wiseman how the controversial terminal grants came about.