Our monthly round-up of the latest news, events and activities with the CPA and in Parliaments and Legislatures around the Commonwealth.

This edition includes:

• Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Workshop in Nigeria on parliamentary responses to gender-based violence
• President of India recognises importance of multicultural traditions as she addresses Parliament of Fiji
• Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka visits the Parliament of The Maldives (People's Majlis)
• Parliament of New South Wales marks 200 years of the NSW Legislative Council
• Speaker of the UK House of Commons visits Parliament of the Cayman Islands
• Papua New Guinea Parliament celebrates 40th anniversary of its Parliament building
• Tonga Parliament host United Nations Secretary-General for Youth Dialogue

CPA Secretary-General visits Parliament of New South Wales ahead of 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg visited the Parliament of New South Wales from 2 to 6 August 2024 to discuss preparations for the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), set to be held in Sydney, Australia, from 3 to 8 November 2024.

During the visit, the CPA Secretary-General met with Members and officials from New South Wales Parliament and representatives of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) networks. To read about the visit please click here.

Above (left to right): The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, Hon. Greg Piper, MP; the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg; and the CPA President and President of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC. Image credit: Parliament of New South Wales.

CPA Secretary-General visits Parliament of Victoria to hear about parliamentary twinning and supporting workplace standards

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg visited the Parliament of Victoria in Australia on 8 August 2024 to meet with Members and parliamentary staff and hear about their work supporting former Parliamentarians and establishing workplace standards. He also travelled to Deakin University to meet with academic staff who worked with the CPA Secretariat to develop an updated set of Standards for Codes of Conduct which was launched recently. To read more about the visit please click here.

Image credit: Parliament of Victoria.

Commonwealth Parliamentarians examine responses to gender-based violence and ensuring gender justice at CWP Workshop in Nigeria

Commonwealth Parliamentarians from 18 jurisdictions came together in Abuja, Nigeria to examine the parliamentary responses to gender-based violence at a Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Workshop from 20 to 22 August 2024. Delegates looked at the challenges in addressing and changing attitudes to GBV as well as the political commitment to provide much needed transformation. 

Delegates were welcomed by the Deputy President of the Senate of Nigeria, Senator Hon. Barau I. Jibrin, the CPA Deputy Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya and the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson, Hon. Dr Zainab Gimba, MP (Nigeria). To read more about the CWP Workshop please click here.

Above: Delegates at the CWP Workshop on parliamentary responses to gender-based violence in Nigeria.

India President recognises importance of multicultural traditions as she addresses Fiji Parliament

The President of India, Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmur addressed the Parliament of Fiji on 6 August 2024 during her state visit which recognised 75 years of India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji. The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu welcomed the India President to the Chamber, and she also met with the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and MPs.

In her address to the Fiji Parliament, the President of India said

"In my short time here, I can see that the rest of the world has so much to learn from Fiji. The gentle Fijian way of life, the deep-rooted respect for traditions and customs, an open and multicultural environment, makes Fiji so special in an increasingly conflict-ridden world. No wonder, Fiji is the place where rest of the world comes to find its happiness." She also recognised the many serious challenges in common between India and Fiji in particular the fight against climate change and the rise in sea-level, which is a threat to many ocean states.

The Indian President was accompanied by Minister of State, Shri George Kurian, as well as two Parliamentarians from the Lok Sabha, Shri Saumitra Khan and Shri Jugal Kishore.

Above: The President of India, Her Excellency Smt. Droupadi Murmur addressing the Parliament of Fiji recognising 75 years of India’s diplomatic presence in Fiji. Images credit: Parliament of Fiji.

Speaker of Sri Lanka visits Parliament of The Maldives

The Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, led a parliamentary delegation to The Maldives from 11 to 14 August 2024. The delegation were welcomed by the Speaker of the People's Majlis, Hon. Abdul Raheem Abdulla in a visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two countries and emphasising their commitment to enhancing parliamentary cooperation. Discussions were focused on the development of the tourism and fisheries industries and the Sri Lanka delegation spent time at the People’s Majlis, gaining valuable insights into the legislative processes of The Maldives.

Above: The Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka during a parliamentary delegation visit to The Maldives. Images credit: Parliament of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan delegation were also received by the President of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu who noted the deep-rooted relations between the two Commonwealth countries. The Sri Lankan delegation included the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ajith Rajapakse, MP; Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne, MP; the Secretary-General of Parliament, Mrs Kushani Rohanadeera; and the Assistant Secretary-General of Parliament, Mr Hansa Abeyratne.

New South Wales mark 200 years of the Legislative Council

The Parliament of New South Wales has marked the 200th anniversary of the Legislative Council on 25 August 2024. Thousands of people joined the celebrations at a special open day at Parliament House in Sydney where they were welcomed with a traditional Smoking Ceremony before exploring the exhibitions and historic displays as well as live music performances and children’s activities.

First sitting 200 years ago, the Legislative Council of New South Wales was established as a group of just five men with no real decision-making power, appointed to advise the Governor. Over the years, the Legislative Council’s role and numbers have grown to become an Upper House of 42 Members who scrutinize and develop legislation as well as holding the government to account through parliamentary inquiries and Question Time. The Parliament also expanded in 1856, when the New South Wales Legislative Assembly was introduced as a second Chamber.

To find out more about the Bicentenary of the New South Wales Legislative Council and its history please click here. Images credit: Parliament of New South Wales.

UK Speaker visits Parliament of Cayman Islands

The Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP visited the Parliament of the Cayman Islands where he addressed MPs. The UK Speaker was welcomed by the Cayman Islands Speaker, Hon. Sir Alden McLaughlin.

During his visit, he also held meetings with the Governor of Cayman Islands, H.E. Jane Owen and the Premier, Hon. Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, JP, MP to discuss opportunities to work closer together. The UK Speaker also spoke of the important relationship between the UK Parliaments and the British Overseas Territories.

Above: The Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP with the Speaker, Premier, Governor and Members of Parliament in the Chamber of the Parliament of the Cayman Islands. Images credit: Parliament of the Cayman Islands/UK HoC Speaker's Office.

Papua New Guinea celebrates 40th anniversary of its Parliament building

Papua New Guinea’s Parliament House has reached a significant milestone as it marks its 40th anniversary since its official opening in 1984 by then HRH The Prince of Wales. The iconic building, located in the capital city of Port Moresby, has been the cornerstone of democracy and political discourse in the country.

To commemorate this historic occasion, a celebratory event was held on 29 August 2024 bringing together key stakeholders, including government officials, school students and business partners, to reflect on the institution’s journey over the past four decades. The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Job Pomat, MP and the Government’s representative, Hon. Ano Pala, MP, Minister of National Planning spoke at the event.

The Clerk of the Parliament and CPA Papua New Guinea Branch Secretary, Kala Aufa paid tribute to the ‘People’s House’ as a magnificent building designed to reflect the rich and diverse traditional culture of the country, adding that the occasion reminds us to appreciate the valuable heritage of a thousand tribes that are now united together as ‘one country, one nation and one people’, under one roof.

“It is the home of the principles of democracy of Papua New Guinea,” he said, “and the promotion and protection of democracy is central to the most important reason and work of Parliaments.”

Above: Pictured are long service staff of the Parliament of Papua New Guinea who have served in the Parliamentary Service for 40 years or more: (from left to right) Yape Moses, Lalai Vali, Deborah Kanu, Kaia Lausi, Maling Opo, Manase Thahu and Leonard Patrick together with the Clerk of Parliament, Kala Aufa (left) and Deputy Clerk Chamber, Basil Kambuliagen (right). The other officer who has also served 40+ years is Moale Gege who is not in the photo. Image by Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Media Service.

To watch the Papua New Guinea Parliament House 40th Anniversary Celebrations please click here.

New South Wales Parliament unveils new Acknowledgement of Country sculpture

The Parliament of New South Wales unveiled an Acknowledgement of Country sculpture in the native garden in front of Parliament House on 21 August 2024.

Developed by Dharawal and Yuin artist, Alison Page and supported by Culture and Heritage Consultant, Rowena Welsh-Jarrett and ceramic artist, Simon Reece, the ‘slice of Country’ sculpture honours ancient land with layers of earth, stone, shell, ash and ochre. The resulting bands in the stratified pillar celebrate features of the local landscape that are significant to its First Nations Custodians.

The CPA President and President of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC said:

“This powerful symbol will stand as a daily reminder of our commitment to honouring Aboriginal traditions, cultures and histories. As we commemorate our Parliament's Bicentenary, we reflect on our complex and often challenging history with Aboriginal people and the progress we've made together, moving forward in a spirit of partnership and respect.”

Above: The unveiling ceremony included a ‘Welcome to Country’ with the Presiding Officers and the sculpture was unveiled by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency Hon. Margaret Beazley, AC KC. Image credits: Parliament of New South Wales.

Tonga Parliament host UN Secretary-General for Youth Dialogue

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga hosted a high-level intergenerational youth dialogue with the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres on 26 August 2024. The event was held in the margins of the 53rd Meeting of the Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in the capital Nuku’alofa.

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, who is also a Member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians (Asia-Pacific Representative), welcomed royal guests and youth representatives for a dialogue that focused on the themes of empowering Pacific Youth, implementing effective climate action and building stronger resilience.

Youth representatives had the opportunity to address critical issues facing their communities and the profound impact on the most vulnerable region on the planet with the effects on health, education, employment, migration, food and water security. Calls were made for the United Nations to support further action in the Region.

The dialogue was also addressed by 11 year old HRH Prince Taufa’ahau Manumataongo (Future Tongan Monarch) who voiced the dreams and hopes for the future of the Blue Pacific for 2050, the year when the Blue Pacific Strategy would hopefully have been fully realised. His message was printed onto a specially designed Tongan tapa scroll, tied onto a piece of Tongan ahi (sandalwood), which he presented to the UN Secretary-General, symbolizing the heartfelt plea from the young people of the Pacific to the world to do better for a brighter future.

You can watch the youth dialogue on YouTube by clicking here.

Canadian Association of Sergeants-at-Arms hold their annual meeting

The Canadian Association of Sergeants-at-Arms held their annual Symposium in Ontario in August 2024. The Association’s membership consists of all the Sergeants-at-Arms from all of the Canadian Provinces and Territories as well as the Canadian House of Commons and the Usher of the Black Rod from the Senate of Canada. The Association has met annually since August of 1981. This year’s meeting included Sergeant-at-Arms from several Commonwealth jurisdictions including the UK Parliament.

Above: The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Her Excellency Edith Dumont welcomed delegates to Queen’s Park in Toronto, and she recognised the important role that they play in parliamentary democracy. Image credit: Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s Office.

To find out more about the Canadian Association of Sergeants-at-Arms please click here.

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