Inside Parliament Chamber: Left: The Australian President Senate, Hon. Stephen Parry and adviser , Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Gloria Pole'o (middle).
THE Australian Senate President, Hon. Stephen Parry today holds a bilateral meeting with his local counterpart, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Tu’ivakano at the Office of the Legislative Assembly.
This is part of the Senator’s three day tour of the Kingdom.
The Senate Leader is interested in enhancing parliament to parliament working relationship between Tonga and Australia.
His visit focuses on issues including security, parliamentary security, counter-terrorism, police integrity and police training.
During meeting of the Australian President Senate, Hon. Stephen Parry with Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Gloria Pole'o and a presentation from respective divisions of the Legislative Assembly on the works of Parliament. TGSP Project Coordinator, Douglas Armour was also present at the presentation.
The Senate President also met with the Clerk of the House, Gloria Pole’o and the Chairman of the Whole House Committee, Semisi Sika. During his meeting with the Clerk, Hon. Stephen Parry received a number of presentations on the operations of the Office of the Legislative Assembly, the parliamentary committee system, the legislative process and public outreach programmes provided by the staff of the Legislative Assembly. This visit also provided an opportunity to share with the Senator the assistance to the Legislative Assembly from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that is managed by UNDP through the Tonga Governance Strengthening Project as well as other assistance received through twinning arrangements with the South Australian Parliament and the Pacific Parliaments Fund.