CPA NEWS ROLE OF PARLIAMENTS IN TACKLING CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC IS FOCUS FOR 2021 CPA AUSTRALIA AND PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA Commonwealth Parliamentarians came together ‘in person’ and virtually to discuss the role of Parliaments in tackling the challenges of the COVID19 pandemic at the 2021 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Australia and Pacific Regional Conference in Perth, Western Australia from 1 to 4 November 2021. Delegates attended from across the two CPA Regions under the theme of ‘Parliament, People and Pandemics’. The CPA Regional Conference was opened with a keynote presentation by Professor Colleen Hayward, a leading expert from Western Australia on policies relating to equity and social justice, who spoke of the importance of parliamentary democracy in the Commonwealth and the importance of Parliamentarians representing their communities. Delegates were welcomed by the Joint CPA Western Australia Branch Presidents, Hon. Alanna Therese Clohesy, MLC, President of the Western Australia Legislative Council and Hon. Michelle Hopkins Roberts, MLA, Speaker of the Western Australia Legislative Assembly. The Acting CPA Chairperson, Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP (United Kingdom) sent a video message to the Regional Conference and thanked delegates for their support for the Association during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg also updated Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff via video link on the CPA Headquarters Secretariat's activities during the pandemic and many new initiatives for the membership including the CPA Parliamentary Academy. He said: “It was good to attend this important CPA Regional Conference, albeit virtually. I was pleased to speak about the CPA’s priorities as set out in our new Strategic Plan and to answer questions on important subjects, including CPA’s work on both human rights, good governance and the Sustainable Development Goals. The hosting of this CPA Regional Conference, despite the challenges of the pandemic, emphasises the importance of bringing together our network.” Regional Conference presentations included the Acting CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Joy Burch, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory and H.E. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji on the performance of Parliaments; with further presentations by Members from Australia Federal, Western Australia, New South Wales and Northern Territory.
PACIFIC PRESIDING OFFICERS AND CLERKS ATTEND INAUGURAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE The first ever Pacific Tai a Kiwa Speakers, Presiding Officers and Clerks virtual conference took place on 2 and 3 November 2021 hosted by the Parliament of New Zealand on a theme of ‘Leadership and influence during times of uncertainty’. The Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Trevor Mallard MP in his welcoming speech said: “Our communities are relying on decision-makers to lead them through unprecedented challenges in health, the environment and the economy. Parliamentary scrutiny, executive accountability and transparency are crucial in ensuring these decisions are robust and in the best interests of the public that we serve.” Many CPA Branches in the Pacific Region were represented at the virtual conference including the Cook Islands, Niue and Kiribati. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, spoke about the flexibility of Parliaments during emergencies, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, and reflected on Tonga’s experience. The difficulties of conducting Parliamentary sittings during the pandemic was discussed several times during the sessions. Hon. Tangariki Reete, Speaker of the Parliament of Kiribati shared the challenges that she faced as a woman candidate and as a new Presiding Officer, stressing that women candidates must convince men to become their champions in campaigning for elections and not just women. The Deputy Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, Hon. Jenny Salesa shared her experiences as a Presiding Officer and spoke about the vital role that Clerks play in assisting Speakers and MPs perform their roles. Other topics covered included promoting diversity in Parliaments; flexible and robust Parliaments during emergencies; and parliamentary autonomy, flexibility and resilience. The Speaker of New Zealand extended an invitation to Presiding Officers and Clerks to meet in person in Wellington next year when the borders re-open. With thanks to the Parliament of Tonga for the news report www.parliament.gov.to.
The Parliamentarian | 2021: Issue Four | 100 years of publishing | 341
