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Apia, Samoa – July 4, 2024 – The Governments of Samoa and Australia today broke ground on the construction of Samoa’s new Legislative Assembly Office Building next to the Mulinu Parliament House.
Australia funded the Parliament House, which opened in 2019, and the Legislative Assembly Offices, which will house the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and the Members of Parliament for Services.
This morning’s groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Speaker of Parliament Papali’i Li’o Oloipola Ta’eu Masipa’u, Members of Parliament and the Australian High Commissioner, the Honourable Will Robinson.
The project will be fully funded by Australia, with no loans or debt required from the Samoan government. No costs have been disclosed for the entire project.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Australian High Commissioner the Honourable Will Robinson attended this morning’s groundbreaking ceremony.
High Commissioner Will Robinson said Australia was honoured to contribute to the institutions that uphold and support the democratic values held dear by both countries, for the benefit of every citizen.
“Our partnership with Samoa will provide new buildings for institutions that stand on this sacred land – first the Mauta Council of Elders and now the Legislative Assembly offices.
“As the waves of conflict and dictatorship crash against the shores of peace and stability, we must continue to invest in the foundations of our sovereignty,” Robinson said.
The new Legislative Assembly Office Building will be a modern, functional and climate-resilient building designed to meet the needs of a 21st century Samoan parliament and democratic custom.
Speaker of the National Assembly Papali’i Li’o Oloipola Ta’eu Masipa’u welcomes Australian High Commissioner Will Robinson at the ceremony.
The construction will follow the quality infrastructure principles agreed by Pacific Islands Forum members in 2023, including: a focus on using local labour, developing local talent and supporting local businesses; climate resilience and energy efficiency; and inclusiveness, including the participation of people with disabilities and women.
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Matafa praised Australia for its significant contribution to Samoa’s development goals.
“Both sides are supporting the good governance strategies of both Samoa and Australia through strong collaborative efforts to ensure continued and enhanced participation of the Samoan people in the parliamentary process,” Fiame said.
Work is expected to start this month and take 22 months, but will be suspended when Commonwealth leaders meet at Parliament House in October.
The main contractor is Reeves International Pty Ltd, which won the construction contract through an open tender with the support of a Samoan company.
Australian and Samoan flags flew, and staff and contractors from the Australian High Commission and the Samoan Parliament stopped for photos.
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