REPORT TO THE QUEENSLAND LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

By GLEN ELMES MP Member for Noosa

CPA Technical Assistance Programme workshops for the

National Assembly of the Republic of Mauritius

Introduction of Live Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings

12 – 14 December 2016

REPORT

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) embarked on a Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) for the National Assembly of Mauritius, CPA Africa Region, to enable the National Assembly to proceed with live broadcasting of their parliamentary proceedings.

In early December, 2016, I received a request from the Clerk of the Queensland Parliament, on behalf of the CPA, to travel to Mauritius and deliver a series of workshops in preparation for the introduction of live broadcasts, via the internet, by the National Assembly of Mauritius.

The TAP workshops were to inform and assist the elected Members of the National Assembly, and the media, ahead of the first live broadcasts.

(see attachment A)

It was decided, with only a few days notice, that I was to attend and deliver the workshops. I departed Brisbane on 9th December at 8.45pm and returned on Friday 16th December at 6.40am.

Prior to leaving Brisbane, I prepared a powerpoint presentation based on the Legislative Assembly of Queensland’s experience and included the history and rules governing the Queensland parliamentary broadcasts as well as the proposed rules drafted for the National Assembly of Mauritius.

(see attachment B)

I was invited to present 3 workshops, the first two for the 70 elected Members of the National Assembly (below left) and the third session for the media (below right) The media contingent included representatives from the national broadcaster, internet service providers, commercial radio and newspapers.

I didn’t realise at the time that I was to be the sole presenter at the two day workshops and subsequent meetings.

Report – CPA: Maritius National Assembly Training – Glen Elmes MP

During the course of the training sessions for the elected Members and my conversations with the Clerk of the Parliament and other Ministers, it became apparent that the proposed draft rules would also incorporate some aspects from the Queensland parliamentary experience. It also became clear that there is the need for the National Assembly – a unicameral legislature – to convene an Ethics Committee similar to that of the Queensland Parliament, of which I am the Deputy Chair.

The training workshops were delivered to the elected Members and media representatives over two days. On the third day I was invited to attend the final sitting of the National Assembly prior to the introduction of the live broadcast system and during this sitting, I was honoured by an acknowledgement by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Mrs Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, G.C.S.K.

I also had the honour of meeting, and having a brief conversation with Sir Anerood Jugnauth GCSK, KCMG, QC, MP, PC, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius. This was followed by a lengthy meeting with the Hon Nandcoomar Bodha, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Land Transport and who is the head of the Committee responsible for the introduction of the live broadcast initiative.

Subsequently I met with Hon J. Franscisco Francois, Parliamentary Secretary in the Prime Minister’s National Development Unit, and we exchanged views on the general similarities between the Queensland and Mauritian legistatures.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs Safeena Lotun Muhammad, (pic right) and her staff were wonderful hosts who provided me with invaluable assistance. I have since written and extended my thanks.

GLEN ELMES MP Member for Noosa

Report – CPA: Maritius National Assembly Training – Glen Elmes MP

ATTACHMENT B

MAURITIUS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MANAGING MEDIA ACCESS Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

Principles

These rules are based on the following principals: a) Transparency and accountability of the Parliament; b) Fair, accurate and balanced reporting of the proceedings of Parliament c) Respect for the Privacy of members, staff and visitors to the Precinct d) The ability of Members and staff to carry out their duties on the Precinct without unreasonable impediment. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

1. Fair and Accurate Reporting Photography, televising and broadcasting shall be used only for the purposes of fair and accurate reports of proceedings with the aim of informing the viewers about the work of Legislative Assembly and shall not be used for i) political party advertising or election campaigns; ii) satire or ridicule; iii) commercial sponsorship or commercial advertising Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

2. Balanced Reporting Reports of proceedings shall be such as to provide a balanced presentation of

differing views. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

3. Context Excerpts of proceedings are to be placed in context. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

4. Deletions from the Record of Proceedings If the Speaker orders that a remark be deleted from the Record of Proceedings, either at the time the remark was made or at a later time, the remark, the Speaker’s direction and the proceedings relating to the matter, are not to be rebroadcast. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

5. Technical Restrictions Footage must be broadcast at normal speed, with synchronized sound and vision. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

6. Speakers Instructions

The instructions of the Speaker of the Qld Parliament, or the Speaker’s delegate, in respect of broadcasting shall be observed. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

7. Sale or license to carry same conditions The sale or license to use any photos or footage taken in the Assembly is to be subject to the same conditions that apply to fair and accurate reporting detailed above. (Eg a photo cannot be sold for the purpose of political advertising). Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

8. Rules for camera operators (film and photography) in the Legislative Assembly Chamber below are to be followed at all times (refer to Library Research Brief) Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

Penalties • Breaches of any of the guidelines in this document shall be determined by the Speaker. Penalties for breaches will also be determined by the Speaker. • Examples of two breaches in Qld: 1. Filming of a Protest in the Public Gallery 2. Filming of a members documents. Rules for media Access – Qld Parliament

Importance of being specific about precisely where filming can occur. Questions? THANK YOU