Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

Australia works with the National Parliament to strengthen governance in Solomon Islands

9 June 2016

                                   Australia works with the National Parliament to strengthen governance in Solomon Islands

A team of Australian parliamentary professionals and academics has travelled to Honiara this week to deliver training to the National Parliament of Solomon Islands on parliamentary law, practice and procedure.

Twenty staff from the National Parliament of Solomon Islands will attend the training. The program will combine both theoretical and academic training on the Westminster system of government and will explore the challenges of making the Westminster system work in practice.

Clerk of the New South Wales Parliament and head of delegation, Mr David Blunt, said that he was delighted to be working with the National Parliament of Solomon Islands to build capacity and improve governance in Solomon Islands.

“Our two parliaments have a deep and collaborative relationship forged over many years through the New South Wales -Solomon Islands parliamentary twinning program,” said Mr Blunt.

“I am delighted to be here today to share my expertise on parliamentary privilege and administration. The enthusiastic participation of staff and their dedication to good governance in Solomon Islands is a testament to the professionalism of the Clerk and the National Parliament of Solomon Islands as a whole.”

The program will run from 6 to 10 June and is supported by the Australian New South Wales Parliament and the University of Tasmania.