(R-L)Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano & Deputy Clerk, Dr. Sione Vikilani
CONFIDENCE and trust in the Parliament of any democratic country Tonga included is crucial for the survival of its good reputation.
A successful, functioning democratic country has other characteristics which when followed helps restore people’s faith and confidence in Parliament.
Strong legislative oversight is critical while inadequate oversight undermines the legitimacy and authority of the Legislative.
Lord Tuívakano made these remarks when he spoke on the Reputational Vulnerability of Parliament session while attended the 2015 CPA Australia and Pacific Regional Conference in Darwin, Northern Territory of Australia from November 24-26.
Lord Tuívakano also expressed the need for good opposition in Parliament and that Parliaments needs to be accountable to the people. He added Parliament must also work
together with other agencies such as the media to engage with the public.
The Speaker also stressed the risks to the reputation of Parliament which included corruption, anti-corruption agencies, Member behaviour and codes of conduct, electoral fraud and accountability, financial scrutiny and declaration and parliamentary scrutiny.
Other topics covered during the conference included, Vulnerability of People, Economic Vulnerability and Vulnerability of Parliament.
The meeting concluded yesterday, November 26, 2015.
More than 40 participants took part in the Conference representing the Australian State
Parliaments and Pacific countries including Tonga, Nauru, Cook Islands, Kiribati and Samoa.
Nauru will host the next 2016 annual CPA Australia and Pacific Regional Conference.