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The induction programme is expected to not only enhance the MPs’ understanding of their constitutional roles, but also help them identify development priorities, personal goals and actionable plans for their term in office
The induction, mentoring and continuing professional development programme for the 12th Parliament members is currently underway at the Heritage Park Hotel.
The programme kicked off at an induction ceremony held at SSEC on Sunday, June 16, 2024 and was launched on Monday, June 17, 2024 by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Patteson Oti.
The first session, which began on Tuesday the 18th, explored the fundamental principles of democracy: separation of powers, the rule of law and accountable government.
This session will present the principles and examples of Westminster democracy and discuss their relevance to parliamentarians. The first speaker, Mr John Taupongi, presented the principles of Westminster democracy while the second speaker, Mr Lenora Qereqeretabua, presented how these principles operate in the day-to-day operation of Fiji’s unicameral Parliament. The main focus of the morning discussion was the concept of responsible government.
The panel discussion as part of the working session was chaired by Lord Bruce and included Deputy Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, the Honourable Lenora Qereqeretabua MP, Mr John Taupungi, Attorney General of Solomon Islands, the Honourable John Muria Jr, Leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Matthew Wale MP and Ms Ruth Liloqula of Transparency Solomon Islands.
The panellists and conference participants briefly shared the challenges and opportunities facing the Solomon Islands parliamentary-executive relations system and shared insights on political experiences.
Session 2 discussed the pros and cons of executive leadership and was moderated by Mr Stephen Lawrence MP, New South Wales Parliament. Panellists included Lord Bruce, Peter Kenilorea Jr MP, Leader of the Independence Group, Aupito Tofae Sua William Sio MP, Ms Ruth Liloqula of Transparency Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare MP, Minister of Finance and Treasurer, and Mark Taylor MP.
The afternoon session explored opportunities for MPs to influence change at local and national levels. The session discussed the challenges of providing effective and ethical leadership while fulfilling parliamentary, political and social obligations – all under the spotlight of the media.
This session will take a closer look at the multiple and interrelated roles that parliamentarians play, including:
- As a Member of Parliament – With Legislative and Scrutiny Responsibilities
- As a politician – obligations to the party
- Serve as a community representative – with obligations to constituents and other organizations.
- The meeting also discussed the importance of managing expectations and resolving any conflicts of interest that may arise.
On Wednesday 19th the conference will cover the legislative process: from policy development to bills and regulations, Policy and Legislation will explore the links between policy and legislation through the lens of youth issues in Solomon Islands, followed by an interactive workshop on effective review of bills.
Other masterclass topics included tackling issues faced by women and youth in politics, subsidiary legislation – the missing link, working with media public engagement – promoting your work, making the right decisions and impactful presentations.
The sessions on Thursday 20 June will focus on Effective Parliamentary Oversight, The Work of Parliamentary Committees: A Pressing Social Issue and Effective Budget Scrutiny. The programme will conclude with an Orientation Event at Parliament House on Friday 21 June, which will provide first-time elected MPs with an orientation presentation on parliamentary procedures and the services provided by the Parliamentary Secretariat.
The induction programme will provide MPs with a comprehensive understanding of their main responsibilities: legislation, oversight and representation. By exploring themes such as responsible government, separation of powers and public leadership, the programme promotes active engagement between MPs and experienced moderators. MPs will also reflect on successful engagement strategies and their role within the parliamentary framework.
International coordinators assisting the local coordinators are from the Parliaments of New South Wales, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Fiji and the United Kingdom.
The induction programme is expected to not only enhance MPs’ understanding of their constitutional roles but also help them identify development priorities, personal goals and actionable plans for their term in office. Continuing professional development activities following the programme will further address the issues raised and other knowledge and skills capacity building priorities.
The induction was facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme Solomon Islands, the New South Wales Parliament, the Westminster Endowment for Democracy, the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands, the Embassy of Japan and other supporting stakeholders.
Source: Solomon Islands National Parliament Press Release
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