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100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TheParliamentarian

Journal of the of the Commonwealth 2020 | Volume 101 | Issue Two | Price £14

SPECIAL REPORT: Commonwealth Parliaments respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic PAGES 104-123

PLUS Identifying benchmarks Combatting modern Parliamentary Empowering Youth of good governance slavery in the Oversight in Small Parliamentarians in & parliamentary Commonwealth States Tonga democracy PAGES 124-133 PAGES 138-144 PAGES 145-148 PAGES 154-157 IN TIMES LIKE THESE PARLIAMENTS NEED

ALL THE Published 2020 RESOURCES THEY CAN GET! MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS

DOWNLOAD ESTABLISHING PARLIAMENTARY SERVICE COMMISSIONS FOR CPA’S NEW COMMONWEALTH PUBLICATION NOW www.cpahq.org/cpahq/modellaw

www.cpahq.org

THE CPA MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS

Based on the important values laid down in the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles and the Doctrine of the Separation of Powers, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has created a MODEL LAW FOR INDEPENDENT PARLIAMENTS.

This draft legislation is aimed at Commonwealth Parliaments to use as a template to create financially and administratively independent institutions. Specifically, the Model Law enables Parliaments to create Parliamentary Service Commissions and to ensure Parliaments across the Commonwealth have the resources they need to function effectively without the risk of Executive interference. www.cpahq.org STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to connect, develop, promote and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance, and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. Calendar of Forthcoming Events Updated as at 27 May 2020

Please note that due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic many events, conferences and activities have been postponed or cancelled. Please check online or email [email protected] for the latest information. 2020

The following events have been postponed to a later date in the year (TBC): • Mid-Year meeting of the CPA Executive Committee, Assam, India • 49th CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference, , • Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Kigali, Rwanda including: Commonwealth Youth Forum; Commonwealth Women’s Forum; Commonwealth People’s Forum; and Commonwealth Business Forum • 51st CPA Africa Regional Conference, Abuja, Nigeria

July The CPA Headquarters Secreatariat is awaiting an update on the following CPA Regional Conferences: • 10 to 18 July 2020 - 45th CPA Caribbean, Americas & Atlantic Regional Conference, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos • 20 to 23 July 2020 - CPA Pacific and Region Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC), Fiji 2021

12 to 18 January 2021 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

The following event will not now take place in 2020 and has been postponed to 2021: • 58th CPA Canada Regional Conference, Toronto, , Canada

The CPA calendar fosters the exchange of events and activities between CPA Regions and Branches. For further information on any events, please contact the CPA Branch concerned or the CPA Headquarters Secretariat. CPA Branch Secretaries are asked to send notices of CPA events to [email protected] in advance of the publication deadline to ensure the calendar is accurate.

CPA Small Branches Climate Change Toolkit for Parliamentarians • Strengthening Parliamentarians as effective actors in the climate change agenda. • Accessible introduction to the key issues facing Legislatures at the frontline of climate change. • Practical guide for Parliamentarians to further progress at the domestic and international level. Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/SBclimatechange to download a copy or email [email protected] Updated February 2020 CONTENTS: THE PARLIAMENTARIAN 2020: ISSUE TWO

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The Parliamentarian: VIEWS & COMMENT NEWS & PHOTOS SPECIAL REPORT: Journal of the Parliaments of COMMONWEALTH the Commonwealth Editor’s Note CPA News PARLIAMENTS' Volume 101 Commonwealth Parliaments' News reports include: RESPONSES TO 2020: Issue Two respond to COVID-19 • Postponement of CHOGM COVID-19 The Parliamentarian Page 88 2020 due to COVID-19 ISSN 0031-2282 • CPA Vice-Chairperson’s visit COVID-19 (Coronavirus) View from the CPA to CPA Scotland and CPA UK pandemic and delivering Issued and published by Chairperson Branches parliamentary democracy: Toolkit launched by CPA the International Secretariat COVID-19 and its impacts • Caribbean Heads of st Page 104 of the Commonwealth on the Commonwealth Government attending 31 Parliamentary Association Parliamentary Association CARICOM Meeting in (CPA), CPA Headquarters • Cooperation between Pan-Commonwealth Page 90 collaboration to help fight Secretariat, Richmond Commonwealth Parliaments Coronavirus pandemic House, Houses of , View from the emphasised during Page 105 , SW1A 0AA, United Commonwealth Women Cybersecurity Workshop Kingdom. Parliamentarians (CWP) • Overcoming trade barriers for CPA hosts two virtual panel discussions for Strategies taking place in small jurisdictions highlighted Tel: +44 (0) 20 7799 1460 at WTO parliamentary Clerks on CWP Africa Region to ensure delivery of democracy Email: [email protected] gender equality and women’s • Clerks from the CPA Africa during COVID-19 pandemic www.cpahq.org empowerment Region’s Society of Clerks-at- Page 106 Twitter @CPA_Secretariat Page 92 the-Table meet in Tanzania Facebook.com/CPAHQ • Malawi Parliamentarians visit Presiding Officers, View from the CPA Small Scottish and Parliamentarians and Mr Jarvis Matiya Parliaments Clerks gather for an Branches Chairperson online meeting on virtual CPA Acting Secretary- Examining how the latest Pages 99-102 parliamentary sittings General global pandemic is affecting Page 107 the , one of the Commonwealth Day Mr Jeffrey Hyland smallest jurisdictions in the Reports from CPA Branches on CPA joins virtual meeting with World Bank and the Editor, The Parliamentarian Commonwealth events held for Commonwealth [email protected] IMF to discuss economic Page 94 Day 2020 responses to COVID-19 Pages 158-163 Page 107 Main images: CPA View from the Acting CPA Headquarters Secretariat Secretary-General Commonwealth Women Implementing virtual and Shutterstock. Additional Delivering parliamentary Parliamentarians News sittings in the oldest continuous Parliament images: CPA Branches democracy during a global and Events and Members. Front cover in the world during the pandemic Reports from CWP activities COVID-19 pandemic image: Shutterstock/ Page 96 around the Commonwealth Page 108 Nito/1670949034. Pages 166-168

86 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 100 years of publishing CONTENTS The Parliamentarian 1920-2020

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SPECIAL REPORT: FEATURE ARTICLES CPA BENCHMARKS Annual subscription COMMONWEALTH (four issues) PARLIAMENTS' COVID-19, the CPA helps Parliaments UK: £44 inc. RESPONSES TO Commonwealth and to identify benchmarks postage.Worldwide: £46 COVID-19 road traffic injury of good governance surface post £52 A call for action on road safety CP4D and self-assessments airmail Page 134 Page 124 Digital innovation helps Jersey’s Parliament to sit Price per issue virtually Half of the world’s Reassessment UK: £14 Page 111 victims of slavery live in against the updated Worldwide: £15 surface post the Commonwealth CPA Benchmarks £16 airmail Parliament: UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Case study: Australian Setting up the Epidemic Commissioner's view Capital Disclaimer Response Committee to Page 138 Page 127 scrutinise the Executive’s Opinions and comments response to COVID-19 expressed in articles and Page 112 Ridding our world of Strategic Self reviews published in The modern slavery by 2030 Assessment Parliamentarian are those Responding to the COVID- A UK MP's view Case study: Pakistan of the individual contributors 19 pandemic: National Page 142 Page 132 and should not be attributed Assembly of to the Secretariat of the Page 115 Parliamentary Oversight Association. in Small States PARLIAMENTARY 'New pandemic, new REPORTS politics?' Inside the UK’s CPA and McGill University Contributors virtual Parliament with Page 145 Parliamentary Report Thank you to all contributors the Electoral Reform Featuring legislative reports for this issue. Society Parliamentary from Canada, Trinidad and Page 118 expressions & practices Tobago, United Kingdom, Printed in: United Kingdom First of a three-part series Life for a backbencher Sri Lanka, New Zealand, by Warners Midlands, PLC. in the UK's virtual Page 149 Australia and India Parliament Pages 169-191 Limited print run - contact Page 122 Empowering Youth [email protected] for Parliamentarians CPA DIRECTORY details and print copies. CYP10 participant's role at Tonga CPA Organisational Youth Parliament 2020 Structure Page 154-157 CPA Executive Committee Members, CWP and CPA Reflections on 25 years Small Branches Steering working with the CPA Committees and CPA Deputy Chief Executive CPA UK Regional Secretaries Page 164 Pages 192

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 87 EDITOR’S NOTE

COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS RESPOND TO THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

The Editor’s Note

The first issue of The Parliamentarian in 2020 celebrated the to identify benchmarks of good governance and to implement the 100th anniversary of the first issue of the Journal of Commonwealth enduring values of the Commonwealth. The Acting CPA Secretary- Parliament, first published in January 1920. In the time since the General also reports on how the CPA has responded with the last issue was published the planet has become publication of the ‘CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth engulfed by the worldwide pandemic of COVID- Parliaments and Legislatures on the COVID-19 19 (Coronavirus) and Commonwealth Parliaments (Coronavirus) pandemic’, a series of international have responded to one of the greatest global webinars and a number of measures to support challenges in recent history. Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff. Commonwealth Parliaments have responded This issue features an article by former New to the international situation regarding Coronavirus Zealand Parliamentarian and now Chief Executive of in many different ways and in this issue of The the Electoral Reform Society, , who Parliamentarian, we have published a series of asks ‘New pandemic, new politics? Inside the UK’s special reports on some of the ways that CPA virtual Parliament’. The Electoral Reform Society Branches are responding to the pandemic. This has also shared with readers an interview with UK special report on COVID-19 includes articles on Jeffrey Hyland, Editor Parliamentarian, Wera Hobhouse, MP on ‘Life for a Parliaments’ responses in Jersey, the , The Parliamentarian, backbencher in the UK’s virtual Parliament’. New Zealand, Kenya and the UK. Commonwealth Parliamentary UK Parliamentarian and former Secretary-General In this issue of The Parliamentarian, the Association of NATO, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen writes about Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary ‘COVID-19, the Commonwealth and the urgency of Association (CPA) Executive Committee, Hon. action on road traffic injury’ as he examines one of Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP (Cameroon) in her View article writes the greatest threats to human life in the Commonwealth. about COVID-19 and its impacts on the CPA. The CPA issued One of the CPA’s most important pieces of work in recent a statement to all of its 180 CPA Branches in Commonwealth years has been the Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Parliaments and Legislatures to provide reassurance to its Legislatures, which are helping to provide a framework for membership and to ensure the support to its membership is excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice consistent and robust during this time of uncertainty. by reinforcing the belief that effective Parliaments are one of the The CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle, principal institutions of any functioning democracy. A number of Speaker of the Parliament of the Cook Islands writes about how Commonwealth Parliaments have been undertaking self-assessments the latest global pandemic is affecting the Cook Islands, one of the against the CPA Benchmarks, both as part of the Commonwealth smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth and what the CPA Small Partnership for Democracy (CP4D) and with the CPA Headquarters Branches network can do in her View article for this publication. Secretariat. In this issue of The Parliamentarian, we feature reports The Acting CPA Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya in his View from the CP4D project as well as the many self-assessments taking article in this issue outlines how the CPA will continue to provide place in CPA Branches. In addition, Tom Duncan, of the maximum support to its membership and partners by using alternative Australian Capital Territory and a consultant on the revised means to deliver on its mandate of developing, promoting and CPA Benchmarks in 2018, writes about the ACT experience and their supporting Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff regular reassessments against the CPA Benchmarks. Over half of the world’s victims of modern slavery live in the “Commonwealth Parliaments have responded Commonwealth. The United Kingdom’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, looks at the scale of the issue to the international situation regarding of modern slavery and the role of the Commonwealth. Coronavirus in many different ways and in UK Parliamentarian, Alex Norris, MP, writes about ridding our world of modern slavery by 2030, the work of the CPA UK Branch’s this issue of The Parliamentarian, we have Modern Slavery Project and the launch of an e-Handbook for published a series of special reports on some of Commonwealth Parliamentarians to raise awareness of modern the ways that CPA Branches are responding to slavery, human trafficking and forced labour. The CPA is working with McGill University in Canada on a global the pandemic.” partnership project to strengthen parliamentary oversight in Small

88 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 EDITOR’S NOTE

across the Commonwealth and to highlight the gender inequality faced by women across the world. In this issue of The Parliamentarian, the CWP International Vice- Chairperson and the CWP Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor Africa Region Chairperson, Hon. Dr Zainab Gimba, MP (Nigeria), writes about the different strategies and resolutions required in the Africa Region to ensure gender equality and women’s empowerment. This issue also features news and reports of Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) activities including the CWP International Chairperson joining a UN Women webinar on ‘delivering justice for A 'socially distanced' House of Commons in the UK Parliament with few Members of Parliament all survivors of sexual in the Chamber during Prime 's Questions, March 2020. harassment’; the CWP Alumni Champion promoting network on visit to the New States and Professor Rick Stapenhurst from the university writes Zealand Parliament; the CWP Pacific Regional Conference in about the progress of the project so far. on effective political participation for women; the historic election In the first of a three-part series for The Parliamentarian, result in Kiribati as four women MPs and the first woman Speaker Parliamentary Consultant at the Secretariat at the elected; the CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Regional , Ravindra Garimella, looks at the origins and Conference in the Falkland Islands and the CWP British Islands and history of some of the parliamentary expressions and practices used Mediterranean Region issuing a statement condemning gender- in many Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures. based violence. Youth activist from Tonga, Mele Fonua, writes in this issue about CPA news reports in this issue include: the postponement of how her participation in and experiences at the 10th Commonwealth CHOGM 2020 due to COVID-19; the CPA Vice-Chairperson’s Youth Parliament in India last year, shaped her role as Chairperson visit to CPA Scotland and CPA UK Branches; Caribbean Heads of of the Whole House Committee at the recent Tonga Youth Government attending 31st CARICOM Meeting in Barbados; the Parliament 2020. need for stronger cooperation between Commonwealth Parliaments This issue of The Parliamentarian reports on Commonwealth emphasised during Cybersecurity Workshop; Overcoming trade Day 2020 which took place on Monday 9 March. The CPA barriers for small jurisdictions highlighted at 45th Session of the Headquarters Secretariat launched a CPA Commonwealth Day Youth Steering Committee of the Parliamentary Conference on the World Engagement Pack, for the benefit of all CPA Branches in order to Trade Organisation; Parliamentary Clerks from the CPA Africa inspire Parliaments to engage their young people. CPA Branches Region’s Society of Clerks-at-the-Table meet in Tanzania; Malawi and Regions across the network of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Parliamentarians visit Scottish and United Kingdom Parliaments for Association also marked Commonwealth Day 2020 in many different programme on Strengthening Committee Scrutiny. ways and this issue reports on events in Canada, Cayman Islands, The Parliamentary Report and Third Reading section in this issue Ghana, Fiji, Malawi, Kiribati, Jamaica, New Zealand, Northern Territory, includes parliamentary and legislative news from Canada Federal; Pakistan, , St Helena, Scotland and the UK. Commonwealth British Columbia; Trinidad and Tobago; India; New Zealand; Sri Day has been celebrated around the Commonwealth on the second Lanka; United Kingdom; and Australia Federal. Monday in March every year since the 1970s. We look forward to hearing your feedback and comments This issue features an article by the Deputy Chief Executive of the on this issue of The Parliamentarian, on the issues affecting UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Helen Parliamentarians across the Commonwealth and to receiving your Haywood, who looks back over 25 years working with the CPA and future contributions to this publication. the wider international parliamentary community. International Women’s Day 2020 took place on 8 March and Jeffrey Hyland the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) used the Editor, The Parliamentarian opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in Parliaments [email protected]

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 89 VIEW FROM THE CPA CHAIRPERSON

COVID-19 AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

View from the CPA Chairperson

Currently, the world’s most dreadful, widespread Parliamentarians in order to continue to perform and lethal pandemic COVID-19 (Coronavirus) the Legislatures’ role of securitising bills and has had huge political, economic, social and ensuring democracy during a global pandemic. health impacts on states and governments at the The CPA family being an integral part of the international and regional levels, since its outbreak global village has not been spared. COVID-19 in the Wuhan Province of the People’s Republic of has obviously upset our activities, programmes China in November last year. Its rapid spread and and events for 2020 and perhaps beyond. The mode of transmission have been a great challenge CPA Headquarters Secretariat and the CPA and threat to human existence and activities. Its Coordinating Committee were compelled to take control has gradually become the world’s primary a decision to postpone all international travel concern, relegating other relevant issues to the Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, and the delivery of any related programmes and background. Almost all nations of the world have MP, Chairperson of the CPA governance meetings. had to revise or are thinking of revising their Executive Committee and Consequently, the Mid-year CPA Executive budgetary allocations to include the fight against Deputy Speaker of the National Committee Meeting, which was slated for April this global and indiscriminate pandemic of the 21st Assembly of Cameroon 2020 in Assam (India), could not take place and century. Therefore, this will require new legislation. has had to be rescheduled to 29 June to 3 July The merciless pandemic has, like an 2020, subject to the evolution of the disease. unstoppable giant, continued to claim victims, men and women, Similarly, the 49th CPA British Islands and Mediterranean Regional the old and the young, whites and blacks alike. According to global Conference, Valletta, Malta, which was initially planned from 27 to 30 statistics, as of 7 May 20201, there are 3,836,181 recorded cases of May 2020, will now be held virtually in September 2020. The 58th COVID-19, 265,356 deaths, 1,307,606 recovered cases, 2,263,219 CPA Canadian Regional Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada currently infected patients; with 2,215,132 cases (98%) experiencing planned for 18 to 24 July 2020 has been postponed to 2021. The 51st mild conditions and 48,087 (2%) in a serious or critical condition. CPA Africa Regional Conference due to take place in Abuja, Nigeria Almost all the continents and countries around the world are from 20 to 26 July 2020 has also been postponed to a future date. grappling with the effects of COVID-19. The victims of this pandemic In the same vein, the Commonwealth Heads of Government are the people who gave us their mandate, to speak on their behalf Meeting (CHOGM), which was slated for Kigali, Rwanda in June and our voice and actions should be a reflection of their aspirations. 2020 has also been postponed to a future date. Indeed, COVID-19 is leaving unprecedented and growing human, Furthermore, there is uncertainty looming over the holding of: economic, social and health impacts the world over. • 45th CPA Caribbean, Americas and the Atlantic Regional In the absence of a cure or vaccine, some of the unanimously Conference, Turks and Caicos, 10 to 18 July 2020; adopted preventive measures are: • The forthcoming 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary • Lockdown; Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 12 to 18 January • Frequent cleaning of hands using soap and water or an alcohol- 2021. based hand rub; • Social distancing; Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians have now • Wearing of masks; resorted to new ways of conducting debates, scrutinising and • Staying at home; passing legislation, holding Parliamentary Committees and • Calling toll free numbers in the event of suspected symptoms. exercising oversight of their governments. Evidently, COVID-19 has plunged many organisations, countries, While some Parliaments suspended their legislative work until Parliaments and Legislatures across the world into a state of further notice, others have resorted to teleworking and remote emergency. Many activities, programmes and events of our working through e-mails and by telephone. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) have been affected The CPA has had to use alternative means to exercise its by this deadly pandemic. This has prompted the CPA Headquarters mandate of developing, promoting and supporting to conduct research amongst its membership of 180 Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures to synthesise a of good governance and to implement the enduring values of the forward-looking ‘CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments and Commonwealth. Legislatures on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and delivering In order to curb the spread of the pandemic and ensure the parliamentary democracy’. This toolkit provides various measures continuity of service, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat staff have and recommendations that can be adopted by both Parliaments and resorted to working remotely (from home) until further notice.

90 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE CPA CHAIRPERSON Image credit: Shutterstock/1624694200/B. Zhou

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Wuhan Province of the People’s Republic of China in November 2019, its rapid spread and mode of transmission have been a great challenge and threat to human existence and activities.

The effects of COVID-19 are unfortunately affecting so many Instead, with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, even the limited in the CPA and these effects could not have been predicted. The gains made in the past decades are at risk of being rolled back. CPA flagship Fundamentals Programme run in partnership with The pandemic is deepening pre-existing inequalities, exposing the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) in the domain of vulnerabilities in social, political and economic systems which are in ‘Parliamentary Practice and Procedure for Parliamentarians’ was turn amplifying the impacts of the pandemic. delayed for one week and its effective take-off is still subject to the Across every sphere, from health to the economy, security to evolution of the pandemic. social protection, the impacts of COVID-19 are exacerbated for Other outcomes of the global pandemic include: women and girls simply by virtue of their sex.”2 • Many Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) meetings Concerning women and those of Africa, and Cameroon in have been unable to be held, thereby delaying the schedule particular, the disease outbreak has increased women’s and girls’ that had been established for the attainment of certain goals; duties to care for the elderly and ill family members, as well as • Many Commonwealth Parliamentarians have been unable to siblings who are out of school. Women and girls are particularly meet their constituents to address their needs and listen to their affected by the secondary impacts of the outbreak. Quarantine aspirations; measures imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic are • Many children in Commonwealth countries where ICTs and putting women and girls at heightened risk of violence in the home networks are poorly developed are losing a lot in terms of their and cutting them off from essential services and social networks. education, owing to the close down of schools; Economic stress on families due to the outbreak can put children, • The burden in families has increased tremendously and in particular girls, at greater risk of exploitation, child labour and resulting from a lot of stress and hardship due to technical gender-based violence. Households need to be supported in the unemployment. face of the quarantine measures. Global lockdowns block women’s and youths’ ability to struggle In relation to the impact of COVID-19 on women, the UN for their autonomy and make them to continue to depend on others Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, notes, “The year 2020, for survival. marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for In fact, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the lives of Action, was intended to be ground-breaking for gender equality. most women and youths. It is not only an unprecedented public emergency, but also a challenge the society and the economy have not seen in recent times. The CPA and the rest of the world are anxiously looking up to the day this killer disease with its multifarious effects will be history. I encourage all CPA members to ‘STAY SAFE’ - we shall continue to need each other after this challenging period.

References: 1 Data from www.worldometers.info/coronavirus. 2 UN Secretary-General’s policy brief: The impact of COVID-19 on women: https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2020/04/policy- brief-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-women

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 91 VIEW FROM THE COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

STRATEGIES TAKING PLACE IN THE CWP AFRICA REGION TO ENSURE GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

View from the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP)

This year (2020) marks the 25th Anniversary of Namibia (42.7%), Mozambique (41.2%), Tanzania the Beijing Platform for Action and is therefore a (36.9%) and Uganda (34.8%). There are, however, significant year in the advancement of Gender Parliaments with percentages of women even lower Equality worldwide. Several milestones on than 20% which include; Botswana (10.77%), Eswatini Gender Equality and Women Empowerment (9.59%), Ghana (13.09%), Nigeria (3.43%), Sierra on Global, Regional and National levels have Leone (12.33%) and Zambia (16.77%). Nevertheless, been achieved, namely; 20 years of the United it is important to acknowledge that, the number of Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR No. women MPs in the CWP Africa Region on average 1325) on Women, Peace and Security (2000), the has increased from 25.75% in 2015 to 27.5% in 10th Anniversary of UN Women (in July 2020) and 2020, which is slightly above the global average the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, percentage of 24.5%. specifically containing Sustainable Development CWP International Vice- Statistics in Nigeria reflect a slight increase in the Goal 5 on gender equality. Chairperson and CWP Africa number of women in Parliament following election Amongst the many milestones this year, at Region Chairperson, Hon. Dr tribunal victories arising from 2019 election petitions. the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Zainab Gimba, MP (Nigeria) In the Federal in Nigeria, (CWP) Africa Regional level was the AU Strategy the number of women Members of Parliament for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for the period increased to 13 in total, while the Nigerian recorded its 8th of 2018-2028, which set forth a plan to realize Aspiration 6 of the female Senator. Although this appears to be a seemingly small African Union’s Agenda 2063. Different strategies and resolutions victory, it is a big gain for the women of Nigeria. have therefore been put in place to ensure that gender equality Subsequently, I commend those Parliaments which have seen and women’s empowerment is achieved across all sectors - i.e. in increases in the numbers of women MPs, resulting from a number of economic, social, political and in decision-making bodies. initiatives and affirmative action policies, including gender quotas. Notably, the CWP Africa Region has also taken an important step This practice should be encouraged for other countries to adopt the towards increasing the number of women Members of Parliament same policies. Transformative policies, leading to accelerated and in national Parliaments. The number of women in some Parliaments irreversible change on a broad scale, remain necessary. have exceeded the Beijing target of at least 30% women Members, It is an unfortunate reality that women are far more likely than men including the Parliaments of Rwanda (61.2%), South Africa (46.2%), to live in extreme poverty and remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making roles and leadership roles across all sectors. Subsequently, women and girls continue to experience multiple “Notably, the CWP Africa Region has forms of discrimination based on age, class, ethnicity and race, and it is important to recognise this fact all year round. In this regard, the also taken an important step towards CWP Africa Region through our national Parliaments must work to increasing the number of women ensure that our Governments uphold their commitments to gender equality, including such obligations under the Convention on the Members of Parliament in national Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063. Parliaments. The number of women In acknowledging the importance of the increase of women in in some Parliaments have exceeded decision-making bodies through affirmative actions, it is important to also look beyond descriptive representation. Progress should the Beijing target of at least 30% be made on substantive representation to translate the gains of the increase, into changing the status and lives of women at large. women Members, including the On International Women’s Day 2020 (8th March), I urged all Parliaments of Rwanda (61.2%), South CWP Branches in the Africa Region to continue striving for girls and women rights by pushing for their social, economic, cultural and Africa (46.2%), Namibia (42.7%), political achievements. Moreover, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, I feel is necessary to Mozambique (41.2%), Tanzania emphasise that, ‘gender equality is achieved when women and men (36.9%) and Uganda (34.8%).” enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society,

92 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE COMMONWEALTH WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

and act equally as this will, in turn, create a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

This article is based on a statement delivered by the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa Region and CWP International Vice- Chairperson, to commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2020. Hon. Dr Zainab Gimba spoke at a press conference titled 'Happy International Women’s Day’, in Abuja, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians from the CWP Africa Region held a CWP Africa Region Nigeria in an effort to raise awareness Gender Sensitization Workshop on the theme of ‘Advancing Women’s Participation in Electoral of the CWP’s commitment to use their Processes’ in Arusha, Tanzania from 25 to 29 October 2019 attended by both the CWP International platforms to promote gender equality Chairperson and CWP International Vice-Chairperson. and women’s empowerment. including economic participation and decision-making, and when As the CWP International Vice- different behaviours, aspirations of women and men are equally Chairperson, Hon. Dr Zainab Gimba, MP represents the CWP as a member valued and favoured.’* of the Editorial Advisory Board for The Parliamentarian, ensuring that CWP It is important that we continue to celebrate, beyond International articles and gender topics are regularly contributed to the publication. Women’s Day, what has been achieved so far whilst encouraging more efforts towards transformative policies leading to gender * http://www.genderequality.ie/en/GE/Pages/WhatisGE equality on a broad scale. Let everyone, in their capacity, talk, think

CWP International Chairperson joins UN Women webinar on ‘delivering justice for all survivors of sexual harassment’

The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA (Pakistan) spoke about the CWP network encouraging the adoption of sexual harassment policy guidelines across the CPA’s 180 Commonwealth Parliaments during a UN Women webinar on sexual harassment. During the webinar, the CWP Chairperson said that “there must be a wider policy for Parliamentarians in the Commonwealth on harassment The webinar was held following the postponement of adopting definitions, threshold and reach” and that “justice meetings on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is not just about the legal process but also about preventing that were due to be held in New York in March 2020 to mark harassment and any form of violation against women.” the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). Other panellists included Purna Sen, Executive Coordinator and Spokesperson on Addressing Sexual Harassment and Other Forms of Discrimination at UN Women; Halla Gunnarsdóttir, Special Adviser on Gender Equality to the Government, Iceland; Kate Jenkins, Sex Discrimination Commissioner at Human Rights Commission. To view the webinar please visit https://bit.ly/3a3v0rO.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 93 VIEW FROM THE CPA SMALL BRANCHES CHAIRPERSON

‘DELIVERING A COMMON FUTURE: CONNECTING, INNOVATING, TRANSFORMING IN A TIME OF COVID-19’

The CPA Small Branches Chairperson examines how the latest global pandemic is affecting the Cook Islands, one of the smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth.

View from the CPA Small Branches Chairperson

At the launch of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, financial global downturn of 2007/8. It is not an the CPA Patron’s Commonwealth Day Message on understatement to assert that our global economic Monday 9 March this year on the theme of ‘Delivering future remains uncertain. In little over a few a Common Future: Connecting, Innovation, months, COVID-19 has sparked and accelerated Transforming’, very few world leaders could have an unprecedented level of change in all aspects foreseen that just a few weeks later an earlier viral of our societies. Previously unimaginable shifts outbreak (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China would have in our working and social lives, have forced us to spread to every corner of the world leading to a innovate, adapt and identify creative solutions to pandemic with millions infected and a human tragedy allow us to continue to function as a society. of hundreds of thousands of lives lost. In times of national emergency, it is often The rapid spread of the virus has resulted in a necessary for the rights and freedoms usually ‘global lockdown’, once again reminding us that, Hon. Niki Rattle, Chairperson enjoyed by individuals to be curtailed in the owing to our ‘interconnectedness’, no country of the CPA Small Branches interests of the wider national good. However, in the world, whether large or small, coastal or and Speaker of the emergency laws and the suspension of individual landlocked, developing or developed is immune to Parliament of the Cook rights, including the indispensable democratic the debilitating effects of the pandemic. It is also a Islands right of all, namely, the casting of people’s votes stark reminder that what any single country does, in free fair elections, need to be closely protected for good or ill, it can impact severely on the well- and monitored by Parliamentarians and citizens being of the rest of the planet’s inhabitants. alike. This will ensure the eventual lifting of restrictions on such The pandemic’s wider effects have already impacted rights and a return to some form of normality. Various forms of disproportionately on Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) and governments inclined towards executive overreach should not be other CPA Small Branches, where the presence of one or more allowed to exploit the current pandemic as an opportunity to hold on factors such as high indebtedness, a heavy reliance on tourism, to and extend power. Delaying national elections for any longer than small size, and limited resources create particular vulnerabilities absolutely necessary or avoiding parliamentary scrutiny of human to long-lasting economic and societal shocks. This, in turn, places rights restrictions by sidestepping virtual meetings of Parliament enormous pressure on governments and Parliamentarians to are some such examples of abuses. Such actions risk eroding demonstrate genuine leadership to meet these challenges by the rule of law through deprivation of citizen’s constitutional rights urgently developing emergency strategies and policies to maintain for longer than absolutely necessary. It is therefore vital in these the lives and livelihoods of their citizens until the crisis lifts. uncertain times that Parliamentarians remain alert and vigilant and The importance, therefore, of innovation within Parliaments, demonstrate moral leadership in the national interest. including through the use of virtual platforms, so that The leaders and Parliamentarians of my country, the Cook Parliamentarians can continue to hold governments to account and Islands, certainly rose to the extraordinary challenges forced on demonstrate national leadership in addressing these challenges, the nation, especially the threat to the lives of our people. The have never been greater. multiple forging of partnerships throughout the entire country, from The scale and suddenness of the global pandemic has the grassroots level to Ministerial level and including, government already damaged the G7 economies with expert predictions of a ministries, the business sector, the private sector and civil society deep global recession ahead, potentially greater than that of the groups, NGOs and groups on the outer islands, in establishing a COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan, with the Ministry of Health “The pandemic’s effects have already taking the lead, was an absolute necessity. Public awareness raising and education using information from the World Health Organisation impacted disproportionately on Small (WHO), was crucial and widely disseminated throughout the whole Islands Developing States (SIDS) and population. These changes were embraced despite the hardships and the restrictions demanded of the people. The Parliament of other CPA Small Branches.” the Cook Islands was also called, under special conditions, to

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sit and passed two COVID-19 related pieces of legislation. This was enabled through the suspension of multiple Standing Orders, as well as a supplementary budget for the bold Economic Response Plan. This concerted effort has provided the people with some certainty in an uncertain time. The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Henry Puna, on 16 April 2020, declared the Cook Islands were COVID–19 free, with great pride and relief after over 1,200 negative tests and no identified cases since the first official recognition of the pandemic. This was made possible The remote location of the Cook Islands and other Pacific through a collective national effort managed by nations has provided some protection from the spread of the the national government, the Ministry of Health COVID-19 pandemic across the world. and a National Health Emergency Task Force which featured broad community participation. This people-led cleaner air. Communities at multiple levels are reconnecting again and people-focused strategy was best summarised by the Prime and for many, although not for all, the simple pleasures of enjoying Minister in a public address on 10 April 2020: “We must uphold the family time and the beauty of nature around us are temporarily in the inherent dignity and rights of our people as the foundation of our spotlight once again. democracy.” As we navigate the unprecedented changes before us, world Like most countries dealing with the spread of COVID-19, the leaders and Parliamentarians will no doubt be asking hard questions Cook Islands has been affected in a number of ways. The closing on how to move forward in such times of worldwide uncertainty of international borders in the Cook Islands, (excluding one flight and ambiguity. Some answers may lie in Her Majesty The Queen’s per week from , New Zealand for essential travel and the Commonwealth Day theme. The reference to our ‘common transferral of serious COVID-19 cases), has significantly impacted future’ speaks urgently and powerfully to the importance of all on the tourism sector. All non-essential services have also been Commonwealth nations and peoples coming together to rediscover shut down, many people have been forced to work from home, and reemphasise the purpose of the Commonwealth as a global people have been asked to observe good hygiene, maintain social community of connection, innovation and transformation. distancing, schools have been shut down and the outer islands’ We may be physically apart as individuals but as communities borders have been closed. we appear in many respects to be closer together than ever before The Cook Islands’ political institutions have also been noticeably through the use of digital technology. Innovation and creativity affected by the pandemic. The country’s leaders have discussed have enabled many, near and far, to remain connected in more the alternatives of a virtual meeting during the lockdown. Although a efficient ways than previously thought possible. The strengthening majority of the Members live on the mainland, including outer islands of our individual and collective resilience has also transformed Members, plans are ongoing to facilitate virtual meetings, including the possibilities of what our future social and economic lives and the Select Committee meeting consultations for the outer islands on livelihoods might look like once the crisis is over. As a community major Bills that are being publicly consulted. of nations founded on common values, we are uniquely placed, The Cook Islanders are a warm, affectionate people and great whether large or small, developed or developing, to support each socialisers. The restrictions have therefore challenged many of other through this crisis. Instead of pulling back and hunkering our most fundamental societal norms. Being a Christian nation, not down in our own backyards, risking exacerbation of divisive being able to go to Church has been a particular challenge for our forms of nationalism in global politics, this is in fact the time for society. Also, as New Zealand citizens, over 300 of our people were Parliamentarians and governments to step forward and remind caught up on their return from overseas travel in the New Zealand themselves of the Commonwealth’s enduring principles of sharing lockdown, being stuck in the country for over 3 months. Happily, and exchanging best practice, equality, respect and understanding, the first repatriation of half of those stranded returned to the Cook friendship and co-operation, amongst others. Islands on Friday 8 May 2020 and will undertake two weeks of Traditions forged over seven decades of the ‘modern’ monitored quarantine while a decision on the future return to some Commonwealth, which, as Her Majesty The Queen has remarked, levels of normality are examined. serves to make us stronger individually and collectively to work Several Pacific Island countries and have experienced together to imagine and deliver a common future. Every choice we similar measures, although many are also still reporting no cases make in this crisis will be tough especially given the uncertain times of COVID-19, which may be one of the benefits of geographical ahead but if we work together, understanding who we are and what isolation. we value, while recognising our responsibilities to each other. We Despite these hugely challenging times there is a silver lining; will forge a common future through our connectivity and innovation, COVID-19 will likely not be here forever and there have already that will ultimately be transformative in fortifying us in the years been some positive benefits for the planet, including through the ahead. significant reduction in carbon emissions. Across the world, the Kia Manuia planet’s inhabitants are all seeing clearer skies and breathing

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DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

View from the Acting CPA Secretary-General

While the first issue of The Parliamentarian in the CPA Headquarters Secretariat with the 2020 celebrated an incredible 100 years of our approval of the CPA Coordinating Committee took publication, this second issue just a couple of the difficult decision to postpone all international months later, sees the world experiencing a travel and the delivery of any related programmes widespread, wholly unprecedented, global health and governance meetings. crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has infiltrated With the aim of supporting its members, the CPA the everyday lives of individuals across the Headquarters Secretariat has produced the timely, Commonwealth and beyond. It has greatly impacted forward-looking ‘CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth the way in which we go about our everyday lives Parliaments and Legislatures on the COVID- and has curtailed the means with which Parliaments 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and delivering and Parliamentarians are able to promote the parliamentary democracy’ which I encourage you fundamental values of the Commonwealth and Mr Jarvis Matiya to read if you haven’t already done so. Inspired by successfully operate. Some Legislatures have Acting Secretary-General a combination of independently sourced research completely shut down while some have drastically of the Commonwealth on business continuity, crisis management and reduced operations. As time has gone on, more Parliamentary Association measures actioned by various Commonwealth and more Parliaments have continued to adapt their Parliaments, this toolkit is an overview of what the practices to comply with physical distancing recommendations in current global pandemic is and the basic protective measures that order to fulfil their critical functions during this crisis. These range have been determined by public health officials worldwide and from limiting the numbers of in-person sittings or Parliamentarians provides recommendations that can be adopted by Parliaments physically present in the chamber during sittings, to moving towards and Parliamentarians to continue to uphold their democratic partially or fully virtual sittings and Committee meetings. responsibilities in the delivery of the Legislatures’ role of scrutiny In response to the COVID-19 situation and following the UK and law making. It also discusses different types of emergency government advice, from 16 March 2020, the Commonwealth legislation currently being enacted for the purpose of establishing Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters Secretariat began solutions to the practical challenges faced by a democracy under working from home until further notice. Nevertheless, we have a state of emergency. It provides an opportunity for sharing persisted and utilised alternative means to engage with our Regions on responses and the unique experiences of Commonwealth and CPA Branches, and to deliver on our mandate of developing, Parliaments and Legislatures regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. promoting and supporting Commonwealth Parliamentarians and Readily adapting our procedures to ensure business continuity parliamentary staff. We also issued a statement to all of our 180 CPA throughout this difficult period, CPA Headquarters Secretariat staff Branches in Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures to provide have also engaged in several virtual events and meetings discussing reassurance to our membership and to ensure the support to our new means of conducting parliamentary functions and processes. membership is consistent and robust during this time of uncertainty. On 1 May 2020, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat collaborated As the spread of COVID-19 increased across the Commonwealth, with the ParlAmericas network in organising an online meeting for Presiding Officers and Clerks from English-Speaking Parliaments “The COVID-19 pandemic has infiltrated in the Americas and the Caribbean, ‘Virtual Parliamentary Sittings during the COVID-19 Pandemic’. The purpose of the meeting was to the everyday lives of individuals across support Parliaments who were exploring or debating the possibility the Commonwealth and beyond. It has of hosting virtual parliamentary sittings or Committee meetings to continue fulfilling their functions during the COVID-19 pandemic. greatly impacted the way in which we go This meeting allowed participants to learn from the experiences of about our everyday lives and has curtailed Parliaments that have implemented virtual sittings and/or Committee meetings, and discuss the concerns and solutions. the means with which Parliaments and More recently on 5 and 6 May 2020, the CPA Headquarters Parliamentarians are able to promote the Secretariat hosted two CPA webinars on ‘Delivering Parliamentary Democracy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A virtual briefing fundamental values of the Commonwealth for Commonwealth clerks and parliamentary staff’, exploring and successfully operate.” new adaptations of parliamentary practice during the COVID-

96 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 VIEW FROM THE ACTING CPA SECRETARY-GENERAL Image credit: Shutterstock/1624694200/B. Zhou

As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the world, Parliaments have been responding to the threat. At the in Brussels, Belgium, the provision of masks, gloves and social distancing has been introduced in the Chamber.

19 pandemic. The purpose of the webinars was to support reaffirmation of cooperative approaches across the Commonwealth Commonwealth Clerks and parliamentary staff who are currently and its wider networks to facilitate knowledge sharing amidst this dealing with or are facing the prospect of, maintaining the global pandemic, and in the future. functioning of Parliament during a full or partial lockdown as a result To help support the Association’s membership in working from of the COVID-19 pandemic. home, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat also launched three new Building on the insights from the recent CPA publication: CPA Masterclass videos on ‘Remote working during the COVID-19 COVID-19 and Delivering Parliamentary Democracy: A Toolkit for (Coronavirus) pandemic’ to equip Commonwealth Parliamentarians Commonwealth Parliament, the CPA webinars focused on how and parliamentary staff with practical techniques to effectively plan Clerks and parliamentary staff were responding to, and navigating and manage parliamentary responsibilities. these conditions, including conducting virtual plenary sessions, Whilst we may not be able to engage in person during these Committee meetings and other important business, as well as unprecedented times, opportunities like these that take advantage the various legal, procedural and technical challenges that have of modern technologies allow us to continue to fulfil our mandate at emerged through attempts to adapt to the emergency measures. the CPA and to support our membership, whilst collaborating with The CPA Vice-Chairperson Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, also President organisations who we may not have had the opportunity to partner of New South Legislative Council, attended one of the CPA with previously. webinars and delivered closing remarks. In total, 170 participants There has been an incredible surge in the digitalisation and attended the two CPA webinars with many more viewing the virtual nature of processes taking place across the Commonwealth, webinar videos online afterwards. not only for Parliaments but for Commonwealth organisations The CPA Headquarters Secretariat will be evaluating the as well. One such successful initiative that we participated in responses to the CPA webinars based on the outcome of the online was ‘A Collective Commonwealth Response to COVID-19’, a surveys conducted immediately after the conclusion of each session, dialogue hosted by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt as well as feedback received after the webinars, and develop follow- Hon. , QC. Within this meeting Commonwealth up activities or plan further webinars on different subject matters. Accredited Organisations discussed collaborating on a collective Similarly, I was also able to attend, on behalf of the CPA, the Commonwealth Action Plan to combat COVID-19 and we heard ‘Virtual Parliamentary Briefing on Pandemics with a special focus from the Commonwealth Secretariat on the progress being made on COVID-19’ event hosted by the World Bank and featuring the for the 2020 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting CPA Treasurer, Hon. Shamsul Iskandar, MP (Malaysia), amongst its (CHOGM), which was due to take place in Kigali, Rwanda in June guest speakers. The briefing convened legislators from countries 2020. I briefed the virtual meeting on the CPA toolkit and other most affected by or at risk of COVID-19, alongside health experts initiatives that the CPA Headquarters Secretariat was taking to exchanging views on the response to the global pandemic, its social support its members during the pandemic. Since that call and the and economic impact and the actions that Parliamentarians can take continuing situation, we now know that CHOGM 2020 has been to offset the economic shocks being experienced by all countries. postponed and will be held at a later date. However, the meeting Engaging in such rich and informative content enables the theme of ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating,

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“As ever, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat Lifaka, MP (Cameroon), echoed this year’s Commonwealth theme in special communications, recognising the power of collectively and aims to strengthen and promote collaboratively adapting to our evolving ‘Common Future’. It is always a knowledge and best practice to enhance great pleasure to participate in events celebrating Commonwealth Day and a strong spirit of in diversity was felt at both the Westminster the work of Parliaments and democratic Abbey service and the reception later at , at both of governance; we have ensured our support which I had the honour of representing the CPA Chairperson. Commonwealth Day also marked the launch of the CPA to our membership is consistent and Commonwealth Day Youth Engagement Pack. With 60% of the robust during this time of uncertainty and 2.4 billion Commonwealth population being under of 29, the Charter of the Commonwealth acknowledges the positive utilised alternative means to deliver on contribution of young people to continue the goal of maintaining our mandate to implement the enduring democratic governance. The CPA Youth Engagement Pack encourages the delivery of parliamentary youth outreach and values of the Commonwealth.” engagement programmes pertaining to the Commonwealth Day 2020 theme. CPA Branches across the Commonwealth Transforming’ has never been more relevant and will certainly be received online resource tools and links filled with activities and the source of much discussion again when we can safely meet. programmes to reach out and connect with their youth populations. Throughout this continually, ever-evolving period, I am reminded The CPA Headquarters Secretariat received an overwhelmingly of the extremely successful 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary positive response from CPA Branches; both Fiji and Kiribati shared Conference, held in Kampala, Uganda from 22 – 29 September their programmes and activities with us in the form of reports 2019, whose theme was, ‘Adaption, Engagement and Evolution of acknowledging that the Youth Engagement Pack was useful in Parliament in a Rapidly Changing Commonwealth’. Whilst none could motivating youth and strengthening and empowering them to have have imagined what the next year would hold and how our learnings novel experiences. Positive feedback was also gained through the would be tested, I hope that Commonwealth Parliamentarians and sharing of the Youth Engagement Pack from many of our Branches parliamentary staff who attended the Conference, are able to draw to their Youth Ministries, further embedding the CPA’s strong upon what was discussed in those workshops, plenary sessions emphasis on a culture of knowledge exchange and sharing. and side events in order to benefit their institutions amidst this crisis. Following the successful CPA Small Branches Sustainable We certainly hope at a Secretariat level that we’re able to utilise the Economic Development Workshop hosted by the Parliament of knowledge shared previously in order to keep our programmes Malta and CPA Malta Branch in January 2020, the CPA Headquarters responsive to our Members’ needs and uphold our internal governance Secretariat published and circulated the related outcomes report. requirements in forms other than physical meetings if necessary. The Workshop was attended by 19 Commonwealth Parliamentarians, Throughout this period, we must continue to participate including the CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Hon. Niki Rattle (Cook and acknowledge the great work being conducted across the Islands), representing 14 CPA Small Branches and 6 CPA Regions and Commonwealth Regions. Recent occurrences that have taken place the report details the outcomes of the discussions and oral evidence since our last issue of The Parliamentarian include International presented by specialists on Economic Empowerment, Social Progress Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March 2020. A commendation and Environmental Governance. For those who were not able to of women's indispensable social, economic, cultural and political attend the Workshop, it provides an excellent overview of the topics achievements, International Women’s Day calls for an acceleration covered and I hope it will be of use for CPA Small Branches in their of women’s participation and increased gender parity under work on the matter going forward. #EachforEqual. The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians As ever, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat aims to strengthen (CWP) Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan MNA (Pakistan), and promote knowledge and best practice to enhance the work celebrated the day with a video message highlighting the important of Parliaments and democratic governance; we have ensured our work of increasing women’s representation in Commonwealth support to our membership is consistent and robust during this Parliaments. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat also released time of uncertainty and utilised alternative means to deliver on our the CWP’s annual review, reporting on the last 12 months of CWP mandate to implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. activities and this can be found on our website. My colleagues and I are always keen to hear from you as to how we With a community of over 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and can serve you better, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with Legislatures, encompassing almost 2.4 billion people, a celebration us with any ideas or suggestions. of our unique connection took place across the nine regions of the In the coming months, the upkeep of evolving norms and practices CPA during Commonwealth Day on Monday 9 March 2020. The day will allow democratic processes to continue and the Commonwealth was commemorated with performances, flag parades and the annual will have to continue to adapt greater than ever to keep up with the multi-faith service in , attended by the Head of developing situations and the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the Commonwealth and CPA Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth our political, economic and trade spheres. The global pandemic has II, members of the Royal Family, the Commonwealth Secretary- deepened interdependence and affected peace and security issues, General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC, and Commonwealth leaders but it is crucial that we look to the creation of greater opportunity, and High Commissioners. Both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and economic and social development, as these are significant in the CPA Executive Committee Chairperson, Hon. Emilia Monjowa ‘Delivering a Common Future’ with all peoples of the Commonwealth.

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Postponement of CHOGM 2020 in Rwanda due to COVID-19 global pandemic

On 21 April 2020, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Rwanda announced that as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it would be necessary to postpone the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which had been scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from 22 to 27 June 2020. The 26th CHOGM and associated events will be held in Kigali at a future time to be announced in due course. The decision was made in accordance with the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Commonwealth Secretariat and the CHOGM Technical Manual, as well as with precedent. His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, said: are shrinking, and livelihoods have been shattered. It is “In the coming months, every Commonwealth nation will be fully difficult to predict what the new normal will look like. We must focused on combatting COVID-19 and its socio-economic impact be mindful of the risks large meetings pose to all. The current on our people. Our organisation’s deep reservoirs of solidarity circumstances require heroic decisions. We stand together with and expertise will be invaluable tools as we work together Rwanda, and thank all our member countries and, in particular globally to ensure no country is left behind. We look forward to the United Kingdom as our Chair-in-Office, who have suffered welcoming the to Kigali for CHOGM once so grievously, for the support and commitment they have shown the pandemic has been defeated.” in these trying times. I too warmly look forward to reuniting with The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia the Commonwealth family, face-to-face, in the beautiful country Scotland, QC, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the of Rwanda.” course of our modern history. Lives have been lost, economies Visit http://chogm2020.rw for further updates.

CPA Vice-Chairperson visits CPA Scotland and CPA UK Branches

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Vice-Chairperson, Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, President of the Legislative Council accompanied by the CPA Acting Secretary General, Mr Jarvis Matiya visited The and met with the CPA Scotland Branch President and Presiding Officer, Rt Hon. Ken Macintosh MSP. During his visit to The Scottish Parliament, the CPA Vice-Chairperson also met with Hon. Stuart McMillan, MSP and Hon. Margaret Mitchel, MSP, Members of the CPA Scotland Branch Executive Committee and observed proceedings in the chamber. A further meeting was held to discuss the legislative www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . process and Committees system at The Scottish Parliament with Peter McGrath, Clerk Team Leader and Sigrid Robinson, Assistant Clerk. Following his visit to Scotland, the CPA Vice-Chairperson also met with the CPA UK Branch Chairperson, Ian Liddell-Granger, MP and CPA UK Branch Secretary, Jon Davies during a visit to the UK Parliament. For more images of CPA activities and events please visit

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Caribbean Heads of Government attend 31st CARICOM Meeting in Barbados

The 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Bridgetown, Barbados from 18 to 19 February 2020. The Prime Minister of Barbados, Rt Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, QC, MP, chaired the proceedings and welcomed Government Leaders from across the Region. A large number of Commonwealth nations and territories were

represented amongst the CARICOM membership including Images courtesy: CARICOM Secretariat. Antigua and Barbuda, , , Dominica, , Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago. Associate Members – , the British Virgin Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands – also attended. The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, addressed the Opening Session alongside the Foreign Minister of Canada, Hon. Francois-Phillipe Champagne and the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC. The speakers emphasised the need for by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and the Pan the CARICOM Community to act together in order to overcome American Health Organisation (PAHO) for the co-ordination of the challenges posed both within and from outside of the the response to newly emerging COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global Region. The theme of CARICOM ‘as a family’ threaded through pandemic. the presentations, along with praise for regional institutions led

Need for stronger cooperation between Commonwealth Parliaments emphasised during Cybersecurity Workshop

25 Commonwealth Parliamentarians met recently in London, UK for the CPA Cybersecurity Workshop 2020, organised by the CPA UK Branch. Delegates from all regions of the Commonwealth and the UK Overseas Territories convened for the three-day programme held across Westminster and Oxford. As part of CPA UK’s work around 'National Security', the programme aimed to improve Parliamentarians’ awareness of current trends, share good practice on how to effectively legislate for cybersecurity and build a strong network amongst Commonwealth colleagues. Over the course of the three-day Workshop, delegates heard from cybersecurity and legal experts from the UK Ministry of Justice and international think-tank, Chatham House (also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs), with the first day of the programme spent at the University of Oxford, looking at a wide range of topics including digital ethics, and the law and cybersecurity. Commonwealth Parliamentarians were also able to share their national progress in cyber protection. Participants learnt about Malta’s ‘five pillar approach’: policy, legislation, risk On the final day, delegates heard from Rt Hon. Lord Ahmad management, culture and education, and Ghana’s National of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth, Cybersecurity expected to pass later this year. With part of whose key message outlined the importance of international the programme held at the UK Houses of Parliament, delegates cooperation in the fight against cyber-threats. With the fast- heard from UK Members of Parliament and the National Audit changing nature of technology, delegates were keen to Office on the role of Committees in providing effective scrutiny continue the valuable of exchange of information through future of national cyber policy. Looking at the work of the UK Public programmes, in order to ensure Commonwealth Parliaments Accounts Committee, the Workshop gave guidance on a are able to respond effectively to the challenges around Parliamentarian’s role in delivering oversight on complex and cybersecurity. technical matters around cybersecurity.

100 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 international trade. the lightofcriticallyimportantroleWTOinregulating challenges that are increasingly threatening its existence, in European Parliament.Thediscussiontoucheduponthemajor the WTO held within the InternationalTrade Committee of the He alsoparticipatedinanexchangeofviewsonthereform an agreement on fisheries subsidies within WTO more urgent. threat to theexisting fishing stocksin our seas,makingreaching a problem ofillegal,unreportedandunregulatedfishingwhichis economies ofsmallstates. of reaching an agreementinthissector which is so crucial for the the difficultiesinthesenegotiations,hestressedimportance ongoing forthepasttwentyyearsinEU.Whilerecognising reference tothefisheriessubsidiesnegotiationsthathavebeen processes. Inhisintervention,theSpeakerofMaltamade states asanimportantissueinrelationtotheimpactoftrade also highlightedthegreaterimpactofclimatechangeonsmall for thesmallestjurisdictionsincludingfisheriessubsidiesand Union (IPU)andtheEuropeanParliament. the WTO(PCWTO)isorganisedjointlybyInter-Parliamentary Belgium on20February2020.TheParliamentaryConference Conference ontheWorldTradeOrganisation(WTO),inBrussels, recent activitiesoftheSociety. activities for2020andtotrack progressandreportonvarious Chamber ofDeputiesRwanda. of Botswana;andAmbassadorJeanineKambanda,Clerk the Council of Namibia; Mrs Barbara N Dithapo, Clerk of Parliament Region SoCATT;MrsLydiaKandetu,ClerkoftheNational and Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Africa CPA AfricaRegionalSecretary;MrMichaelSialai,Clerkof the Stephen Kagaigai, Clerk of the Parliament of Tanzania and Mrs Cecilia N.Mbewe, Clerk of the of Zambia. convened bytheChairpersonofSoCATTCPAAfricaRegion, This isthefirstSteeringCommitteemeetingthisyearandwas (SoCATT) inArusha,Tanzaniafrom21to24February2020. Committee of the Africa Region Society of Clerks-at-the-Table Association (CPA) Africa Region have met for the Steering Parliamentary ClerksfromtheCommonwealth meet inTanzania Parliamentary ClerksfromtheCPAAfricaRegion’sSocietyofClerks-at-the-Table 42 the CommonwealthParliamentaryAssociation(CPA)at Farrugia MP,SpeakeroftheParliamentMaltarepresented The former Chairperson of the CPA Small Branches, Hon. Angelo Overcoming tradebarriersforsmalljurisdictionshighlightedat45 Steering CommitteeoftheParliamentaryConferenceonWorldTradeOrganisation The Speakeralsostressedtheimportanceoftackling The Speaker of Malta spoke about overcoming trade barriers The purposeofthemeetingwastoplanforSociety’s Parliamentary Clerksattendingthemeetingincluded:Mr nd SessionoftheSteeringCommitteeParliamentary The Parliamentarian | 2020 inNur-Sultan,Kazakhstan. 12 Session oftheParliamentaryConferenceonoccasion Singapore, SouthAfrica,andTanzania.The2020Annual Committee of the PCWTO: Botswana, Cameroon, India, Branches arealsocurrentlyrepresentedontheSteering represented onthe Steering Committee. Thefollowing CPA Association (CPA)isoneoftheinternationalorganisations Conference ontheWTO,CommonwealthParliamentary According totherulesofprocedureforParliamentary th WTO Ministerial Conference was due to take place on 7 June WTOMinisterialConferencewasduetotakeplaceon7June 2020: Issue Two|100years ofpublishing1920-2020 |101 th Session of the Sessionofthe CPA NEWS

For more images of CPA activities and events please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr. CPA NEWS

Malawi Parliamentarians visit Scottish and United Kingdom Parliaments for programme on Strengthening Committee Scrutiny A group of Parliamentarians from Malawi undertook a programme on Strengthening Committee Scrutiny from 3 to 5 March 2020. The programme focused on the role of Parliamentary Committees and enhancing legislative scrutiny through developing the technical skills of Committee Members and officials. The Malawi delegation was led by Hon. George Zulu MP, Member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and included Hon. Horace Chipuwa MP, Chair of the Local Authorities and Rural Development Committee; Hon. Gladys Ganda MP, Vice-Chairperson for the Defense and Security Committee; and Hon. Ulemu Chilapondwa MP, Vice-Chairperson of the Agriculture Committee. Together, the delegation represented ten of Malawi’s Parliamentary Committees. The programme was organised During the programme at the UK Parliament, the Malawi by the CPA UK Branch in partnership with the CPA Scotland delegation met with: Baroness Barker, who highlight the tools Branch with funding from the Commonwealth Partnership for for parliamentary scrutiny in the UK Parliament; UK Public Democracy (CP4D). Accounts Committee Members, Nigel Mills, MP and Chris The programme included a day of meetings and discussions Evans, MP explained how the PAC differed from other UK with MPs and Clerks as well as observing Committee and Select Committees in that it did not scrutinise policy, but rather chamber proceedings in the UK Houses of Parliament; followed how well government implements policy and if value for money by a day at the CP4D Inclusive Politics Seminar; followed by a was achieved; , MP, Chair of the Environment, Food visit to the Scottish Parliament to observe the First Minister’s and Rural Affairs Committee and Ian Bradshaw, the Clerk of the Questions along with meetings with several officials. Delegates Committee spoke about how to conduct effective inquiries; joined the Speaker of Malawi, Rt Hon. Catherine Gotani Hara, Rt. Hon Philip Dunne, MP, Chair of the Environment Audit MP and Rt Hon. Ken Macintosh, MSP, Presiding Officer of the Committee and Lloyd Owen, Clerk of the Committee spoke Scottish Parliament for a working lunch. about the challenges for Committees on implementation and the measures that Committees can take including leveraging the media. The delegates’ visit to the Scottish Parliament highlighted the strong historic ties between the CPA Malawi and CPA Scotland Branches. Both Parliaments are unicameral and so delegates were able to observe how a unicameral Parliament operates in the UK context and how Committee work differed, offering a relevant comparison to their own Legislature.

102 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH COVID-19

PARLIAMENTS DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY ON THE COVID-19 CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments PANDEMIC AND DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY

CUSTOMERS BUYING LESS Fear of the virus and government advice to stay at home is having a devastating impact on the retail, tourism, leisure, hospitality and hotel industries across the world. COVID-19: CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS 5 Coronaviruses (CoV) are a A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen COVID-19 COVID-19 when a new virus emerges to infect people and can spread What is family of viruses that cause DOWNLOAD illness ranging from the PANDEMIC between people sustainably. Because there is little to no pre- Coronavirus? TRAVEL INDUSTRY existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads worldwide. 2 COVID-19: CPA TOOLKITcommon FOR cold COMMONWEALTH to more severe PARLIAMENETS COVID-19: CPA TOOLKIT FOR COM- DECLINE diseases. Coronavirus disease The virus that causes COVID-19 is infecting people and The travel industry has been (COVID-19) is a new strain badly damaged, with airlines KEEPING PARLIAMENT spreading easily from person-to-person. Cases have been cutting flights and people that was discovered in 2019 detected in most countries worldwide and community spread is GROWTH COULD cancelling holidays and business and has not been previously being detected in a growing number of countries. On 11 March STAGNATE trips. Governments around the identified in humans. 2019, the COVID-19 outbreak was characterized as a pandemic If the economy is growing, that world have introduced travel OPERATIONAL generally means more wealth restrictions to try to contain the CPA’S NEW by the WHO. and more new jobs. According to virus. the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development In order to successfully preserve the operation of Parliament, during a time of global pandemic whereby the (OECD) , the world’s economy could key functions of Parliament as a legislative body are arguably most needed, it is crucial that Commonwealth grow at its slowest rate since 2009, Parliaments take appropriate, proportionate and reasonable measures to facilitate this. ‘SAFER’ due to the coronavirus outbreak. PUBLIC HEALTH IMPACTSINVESTMENTS HIT The measures outlined below seek to ensure that the safety of Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff are When a crisis hits, investors of vital importance as well as taking into consideration the manner in which the Parliament or Legislature Common signs of infection often choose ‘less risky’ would ordinarily operate. include: The public health impacts of the Coronavirusinvestments. outbreak Gold is PUBLICATION • Respiratory symptoms are widespread. Some of the areas of publictraditionally health considered a It is the responsibility of all Parliaments and Legislatures to scrutinize all legislation and policies proposed by affected will include: ‘safe haven’ for investment The economic impacts of the government. This includes the routine laws required to run the country and the emergency powers that • Fever in times of uncertainty but the Coronavirus outbreak the government proposes as any global pandemic unfolds. In order for Parliament to remain operational, • Increased mortality rate – the primarythe pricehealth of gold impact globally has • Cough have left businesses it must ensure that it acts just as efficiently in scrutinising all legislation and holding the Executive to of the global pandemic fallen. The global oil price has COVID-19’s account under all circumstances. Although Governments do have the option to propose procedural changes • Shortness of breath also fallen as investors fear around the world • Physical health of the general populationthat the global – for spread of the to facilitate alternative ways of working, it is for the Speaker and the House Procedure Committees to • Breathing difficulties those who suffer from the virus butvirus also will through further hit the global ECONOMIC counting costs and trying decide on the most appropriate action to be taken. For many Parliaments for example, there is no standard procedure in place yet for operating the Legislature remotely. lack of exercise/fresh air, poor diet, etceconomy during and socialdemand for oil. IMPACT to understand how the In more severe cases, distancing measures economy will be affected NOW infection can cause: • Social care provision - particularly for elderly or in the future. At the Norwegian Parliament (the ), a number of measures were introduced during the current • Pneumonia vulnerable groups global pandemic including: a reduction in the number of Members of Parliament at plenary meetings and during voting from 169 to 87; the plenary will only take decisions on urgent issues identified by the President • Severe acute respiratory • Mental health – particularly through stress, anxiety, in consultation with the Leaders of parliamentary party groups; some rules of procedure are temporarily syndrome isolation especially during social distancing measures suspended including extended deadlines and the requirements for physical presence in Committee meetings • Kidney failure • Health services – a global pandemic will have a with priority given to video conferencing; reduced Committee workload with priority given to urgent business; and the cancellation of international and domestic Committee Members’ travel. The Storting also established • Death huge effect on the public health servicesUNEMPLOYMENT in any given a Coronavirus Special Committee to examine Emergency Legislation and government measures4. SYMPTOMS jurisdiction. Businesses in non-essential services may close, resulting in temporary or www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronavirus permanent unemployment in the services sectors. Governments have taken steps to provide benefits and the freezing of debt repayments to cushion the impact. FINANCIAL MARKETS DECLINE 4. https://www.stortinget.no/en/In-English/About-the-Storting/News-archive/Front-page-news/2019-2020/ the-storting-constitutes-coronavirus-special-committee/ Maintain social Practice respiratory Avoid touching eyes, Financial markets around the world Washing of hands INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION SLOWED have seen huge falls since the outbreak distancing hygiene nose and Withmouth the restrictions on movement across the world, industrial began. Investors fear the spread of the frequently Maintain at least 2 This means covering Hands touchproduction many has slowed. In China, for example, where the Coronavirus coronavirus will destroy economic growth first appeared, industrial production, sales and investment all fell in and that government action may not be Regularly and metre (6 feet) distance mouths and noses with surfaces and can thoroughly clean hands the first two months of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. enough to stop the decline. In response, between people, either the bent elbow pick up viruses.China makes Once up a third of manufacturing globally and is the world’s central banks in many countries have cut with an alcohol-based especially those or a tissue when people contaminated,largest exporter hands of goods. Supply chains for all major industries will be interest rates. affected by the industrial slow down. hand rub or wash them who are coughing or cough or sneeze. can transfer the virus with soap and water. 2 sneezing. to the eyes, nose or PREVENTION mouth.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

The outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its spread to at least 180 countries, has consequently plunged many Parliaments and Legislatures across the world into a state of emergency. Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians are grappling with many different issues both to implement the emergency health measures during this global pandemic while at the same time looking at new ways to conduct debates, scrutinise and pass legislation, hold parliamentary committees and question the actions of their governments.

THE ‘CPA TOOLKIT FOR COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS AND LEGISLATURES ON THE COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PANDEMIC AND DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY’ toolkit provides various measures and recommendations that can be adopted by both Parliaments and Parliamentarians in order to continue to deliver on the Legislatures’ role of scrutinising legislation and delivering democracy during a global pandemic. SPECIAL REPORT: COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS' RESPONSES TO COVID-19

COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) PANDEMIC AND DELIVERING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY: TOOLKIT LAUNCHED BY THE CPA The outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its subsequent Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronavirus to download a copy of the spread as a global pandemic that has rapidly spread to at least CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures on 180 countries, has consequently plunged many Parliaments the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and delivering parliamentary and Legislatures across the world into a state of emergency. democracy. Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians are grappling with many different issues both to implement the emergency *Please note: This toolkit is published by the Commonwealth Parliamentary health measures during this global pandemic while at the same Association for the benefit of its membership and for the wider international time looking at new ways to conduct debates, scrutinise and pass community. This information is intended to supplement the current global legislation, hold parliamentary committees and question the actions pandemic advice and information from a wide range of international of their governments. At their heart, Parliaments need to be able to organisations. This toolkit does not supersede existing national guidance deliver democracy and democratic accountability, but can this be and plans. Rather, this toolkit should be used to augment existing relevant achieved while practicing social distancing measures? national plans and focus the support of the international community. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters Secretariat has conducted research amongst its membership of 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures to synthesise a forward-looking ‘CPA Toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures on the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and delivering parliamentary democracy’. This toolkit provides various measures and recommendations that can be adopted by both Parliaments and Parliamentarians in order to continue to deliver on the Legislatures’ role of scrutinising legislation and delivering democracy during a global pandemic. The Acting CPA Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya said: “The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has been championing parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth since 1911 and has since served as a forum that enables the development of the best parliamentary practices and most effective policies. The CPA upholds the advancement of democracy under all circumstances and seeks to support its membership particularly during times of uncertainty. The measures outlined for consideration in this toolkit are inspired primarily by measures actioned by various Commonwealth Parliaments in the midst of this current outbreak, combined more broadly with independently sourced research on business continuity and crisis management. It has been acknowledged that the current COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak is continually developing and at different stages in different areas of the world, and as a result, the circumstances surrounding this global pandemic are also continually changing. We hope that this toolkit will serve to bring some insight into the recommended practices to prevent disruption to parliamentary continuity that have thus far been executed in order to assist all Commonwealth Parliaments in their different stages of development.” *

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PAN-COMMONWEALTH COLLABORATION TO HELP FIGHT CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Commonwealth Accredited Organisations have launched a range The Commonwealth Coronavirus Response Centre on the of activities and plans to work together on Pan-Commonwealth Innovation Hub provides a dynamic platform for Commonwealth responses to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. In a virtual organisations to share information about their work in responding meeting convened by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, to the pandemic. Visit www.thecommonwealth.io/coronavirus- Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC, representatives from 19 of the response-centre. organisations accredited by the Commonwealth Secretariat shared examples of practical ways in which they are harnessing the ‘family spirit’ which flourishes among the people and institutions of the 54 member countries of the Commonwealth as they work to respond to the pandemic. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Acting Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya briefed the virtual meeting on the CPA's innovative responses to the global pandemic to support its membership of 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures and shared details of the new CPA Coronavirus toolkit for Commonwealth Parliaments and Parliamentarians in effectively delivery democracy. Other Commonwealth Accredited Organisations outlined the many innovative and inclusive ways in which their organisations are mobilising to fight back against the many social and economic impacts. Approaches range from repurposing staff and equipment The Commonwealth Coronavirus Tracker provides daily updates intended for a polio vaccination programme to managing the spread and the latest data on all 54 Commonwealth countries. Visit www. of the outbreak, to sharing public health videos on handwashing, thecommonwealth.io/coronavirustracker. and to recruiting young people for emergency response volunteer roles. Commonwealth Accredited Organisations are doing whatever they can to make use of their resources to help others. The Commonwealth Secretary-General said: “I am so inspired by the wonderful work being carried out across our Commonwealth and would like to thank you all for what you have already done and for what I know you will continue to do. Unlike many others, we are lucky that we already have the networks in place that are so critical to tackle this virus. The Commonwealth and our network of organisations are needed now more than ever. I am incredibly proud to see the scale of response already mounted and am certain our multilateral and multi-disciplinary response will be successful in tackling this virus.” The Commonwealth Secretary-General encouraged organisations to share within the network what they learn so that all are able to amplify and support one another in the Commonwealth spirit of goodwill and mutual support.

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CPA HOSTS TWO VIRTUAL PANEL DISCUSSIONS FOR PARLIAMENTARY CLERKS ON DELIVERY OF DEMOCRACY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has held two virtual briefings for Commonwealth Clerks and parliamentary staff from across its membership of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures to share best practice on delivering parliamentary democracy during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global pandemic. The CPA’s Acting Secretary-General, Jarvis Matiya introduced the two CPA webinars for parliamentary staff with updates to participants on the CPA's responses to the COVID-19 global pandemic including the launch of the CPA Coronavirus toolkit. The first panel discussion took place on Tuesday 5 May 2020 attended by 83 parliamentary staff from the CPA Africa, British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM), Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic (CAA) and Canada Regions while the second virtual briefing was held on Wednesday 6 May 2020 and was attended by 81 participants from the CPA Asia, Australia, India, Pacific and South-East Asia Regions. During the two CPA webinars a wide range of expert panellists described his experience from the lens of a sub-national Legislature were able to share their experiences and technological innovations and explained how they had responded to the current global with participants online. The panellists represented the CPA’s pandemic by introducing both new procedures and technological membership of national, state, provincial and territorial Legislatures innovations to ensure democratic sittings could continue to take place. in the Commonwealth as well as the CPA Small Branches and the Hans Landon-Lane, Digital Lead from the , focus of each presentation was varied, ranging from a special also delivered a presentation at the second webinar on the digital focus on conducting virtual Committee meetings and plenary innovations being introduced to coordinate the proceedings in sessions through to providing innovative solutions to overcoming his Parliament and to ensure that democratic processes would technological challenges. continuing during the global pandemic. During the first CPA webinar, Eric Janse, Clerk Assistant at the An additional presentation was delivered by Mohamed Hussain, , described how the House of Commons and Director of IT at the People’s Majlis (Parliament of the Maldives) who House authorities had responded to the current global pandemic delved deeper into the different digital innovations as discussed in by introducing both new procedures and technological innovations the earlier presentations by describing in detail the various ways to ensure democratic sittings could continue to take place. in which his Parliament introduced the innovative technology and Two panellists spoke in both CPA webinars - Liam Laurence virtual sessions in order to ensure that democracy continues. Smyth, Clerk of Legislation at the UK Parliament spoke about how The presentations were followed by an interactive Q&A session the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Digital Service where virtual attendees were encouraged to pose any questions to has implemented hybrid virtual sittings for MPs; and Jonathan the panellists. Once the respective questions had been addressed, King, Deputy Clerk at the Parliament of the Isle of Man () the second webinar for Commonwealth Clerks and parliamentary spoke about how one of the oldest Parliaments in the world has staff drew to a close, with the CPA Vice-Chairperson, Hon. John implemented virtual sittings and continued to conduct legislative Ajaka, MLC, President of the Legislative Council of New South business during a period of lockdown due to the COVID-19 virus. Wales in Australia extending his sincerest gratitude to all of the Bringing a different perspective from outside of the panellists and participants. Commonwealth and representing the ParlAmericas network, The CPA Headquarters Secretariat hosted the two CPA webinar Patricia Almeida, Coordinator of Innovation and Digital Strategy for sessions to serve as a platform for its membership of over 180 the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil, presented the digital innovations Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures to connect and being introduced in her Parliament to coordinate the proceedings exchange ideas and experiences in delivering democracy during in one of the largest Legislatures in the Americas. the COVID-19 pandemic. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat is The second webinar additionally featured Tom Duncan, Clerk of continuing to support its membership during the current pandemic the Legislative Assembly from the Australian Capital Territory who through innovative methods. Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronaviruswebinars to access both CPA webinars. They are also available at www.cpahq.org/cpahq/youtube.

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PRESIDING OFFICERS, PARLIAMENTARIANS AND CLERKS GATHER FOR AN ONLINE MEETING ON VIRTUAL PARLIAMENTARY SITTINGS The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and ParlAmericas held an online meeting on virtual parliamentary sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic for Presiding Officers and Clerks of English-speaking Parliaments in the Americas and the Caribbean on Friday 1 May 2020. Parliamentary officials from 19 Parliaments in the region attended the meeting virtually. The expert panellists included Hon. , SHK, Speaker of the at the Parliament of the Isle of Man (Tynwald); Luiz Fernando Bandeira de Mello, Secretary-General of the Board of the Senate of Brazil; and Matthew Hamlyn, Strategic Director of the Chamber Business Team of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom - and they shared valuable insights into the experiences, as well as technical and political challenges, of implementing virtual sittings and committee meetings in their respective Legislatures. The panellists’ presentations were followed by a discussion period facilitated by the meeting Chairperson, Senator Ranard Henfield (The Bahamas), Vice-President of the ParlAmericas Open Parliament expert witnesses. From the Senate of Brazil to the Parliament of the Network for the Caribbean, who emphasized that “parliamentary Isle of Man, regardless of the size of our respective Legislatures representation is an essential service and it must go on - especially or the number of constituents that they represent, we as public when our people are dealing with a health and economic crisis.” servants have in common our desire to meet the needs of our The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Trinidad and fellow citizens at this difficult time. Tobago, Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, CPA International Executive Providing access to public information, promoting the Committee Member for the CPA Caribbean, Americas and the participation of citizens in legislative decision-making and ensuring Atlantic Region and ParlAmericas Board Member, delivered the a culture of ethical and accountable behaviour are activities that closing remarks, thanking the expert panellists and participants for must be considered as the forefront of our efforts to maintain the a “great dialogue on the current issues facing our Legislatures. The function of Parliament during this crisis.” spaces for collaboration provided by the CPA and ParlAmericas are The CPA Acting Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya also spoke particularly valuable in these difficult times to support democracy during the webinar to update participants on the CPA’s responses and good governance throughout this hemisphere and beyond. to the COVID-19 global pandemic including the launch of a toolkit I personally found this webinar very useful in learning from the for Parliaments on delivering parliamentary democracy during the diversity of experiences from both the committee members and our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and a series of CPA webinars.

CPA JOINS VIRTUAL MEETING WITH WORLD BANK AND THE IMF TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC RESPONSES TO COVID-19 On 24 April 2020, the Acting CPA Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya joined the CPA Treasurer, Hon. Shamsul Iskandar MD Akin, MP (Malaysia) in attending the ‘Virtual Parliamentary Briefing on Pandemics with a Special Focus on COVID-19’, hosted by the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The virtual briefing convened legislators from countries most affected by or at risk of COVID-19 with World Bank Group and IMF senior management and health experts to exchange views on the economic response to the current Coronavirus outbreak and pandemics in general.

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IMPLEMENTING VIRTUAL SITTINGS IN THE OLDEST CONTINUOUS PARLIAMENT IN THE WORLD DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Context The Isle of Man also has exceptional broadband penetration Like the rest of the world, the Isle of Man is a part of the at over 93% and all Members of Tynwald already have access to interconnected global community. The spread of COVID-19 has broadband internet. Fortunately, all of our Members have enough touched countries, big and small, rich and poor and the Isle of Man technical savvy to use the technical solution that was worked up. has been no exception. We are though talking about manageable numbers. The House The Parliament of the Isle of Man, Tynwald, is the oldest of Keys (the popularly elected branch) has 24 Members, with the continuous Parliament in the world, and in its history, which Legislative Council (comprising the , Lord stretches back over 1,000 years we have faced many crises, but Bishop, Attorney-General and Members elected by the House of nothing quite like this. Keys) has 11 Members. In total, around 40 people are included in Although our chambers are large enough to be reconfigured the virtual solution, including Clerks, , a legislative drafter to allow for social distancing of its Members (by utilizing the public when needed, and the technical team, who ensure the live feed is gallery). It was far from ideal and it was difficult for Members to available on the internet and on local radio. achieve social distancing at all times, especially as we had to rotate We have also been supported by a small, but absolutely first- around the building to allow everyone to use their voting button class team who make Tynwald function. Their ‘can do’ attitude in the chamber. More concerningly, with an increasing number of across Clerks, Chamber Service and Hansard has been remarkable Members needing to self-isolate for various reasons, the numbers and they worked up the whole solution from concept to reality in a able to attend started to drop which put our ability to achieve a little over a week. quorum at risk. The virtual sittings would have been challenging at the best of times, as they involved not just an emergency sitting of Tynwald Prerequisites but also of both branches of Tynwald, sitting separately one after A virtual solution seemed to solve a lot of the problems, particularly the other. Primary legislation was taken, and a Bill completed its around the participation of those who were self-isolating, but this passage through the branches. It was successfully amended. has brought additional challenges. The Isle of Man has been in a fortunate position with regards to all of the prerequisites to achieve The IT Solution a virtual sitting. First, there is no legal or constitutional barrier to our All Members have an issued iPad for the purposes of accessing sitting virtually. We do not have a written constitution, but no law their parliamentary papers, which was configured with a basic requires us to meet physically in any particular place, just standing version of Microsoft Teams, which provides audio and video orders. streaming. The sittings were based in the Legislative Council The provision of an online sitting also requires a willingness Chamber which already had the set up for Hansard and the live link. and ability of the Members to make it happen. The COVID-19 Admittedly the interface between Microsoft Teams and the live link outbreak has seen a real pulling together in our community and our / Hansard audio feed was a bit ‘Heath Robinson’, but on testing it Parliamentarians shared a unanimous desire to echo the 'stay safe, worked perfectly fine. We found that audio quality was particularly stay home' message of our healthcare professionals. improved if Members wore headsets with built-in microphones.

Hon. Juan Watterson, SHK is the Speaker of the House of Keys and Member for , Isle of Man. Formerly a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, he has held a number of government posts since first being elected in 2006 including Minister of Home Affairs and he is currently also the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.

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Members’ video was turned off permanently for the sitting, as was Above: A virtual sitting of the Tynwald, the their audio until called to speak. Parliament of the Isle of Man. The 'Chat Box' within Microsoft Teams was used for Members to indicate to the Presiding Officer that they wished to speak, call Because we were using the basic Microsoft Teams package, we a division or interject. This helped maintain the discipline of one did not have access to a voting solution. This meant voting 'yes' or person speaking at a time. 'no' in the chat box. Whilst Members could vote quickly, tallying the votes took 3-4 minutes. This is in stark contrast to the electronic Restrictions voting set up in the chamber, but to those Members who predated We discovered during the test that we were at the mercy of the the 2006 electronic voting system, it was just like old times! slowest broadband connection, which meant dispensing with the visual element, even just for the person speaking. Microphones Procedure needed to remain on silent to ensure that the person speaking could It perhaps goes without saying that when the Presiding Officer is in a be heard clearly. Whilst these measures helped the audio quality different room from the other Members and cannot see them, there noticeably, we did miss out on some things we take for granted in were a few differences to procedure. First was the need to suspend the Chamber. Members could not participate in prayers in the same Standing Orders in order for the sitting to take place virtually. In way, could not read the body language of other Members, and the addition, because this was an Emergency sitting, Standing Orders effects of humour were diminished as there was no instant feedback needed to be suspended to allow the urgent Government business to what was said. The timing of the exchanges meant that the sitting to be taken under the Emergency Powers Act. was much more formal and less conversational than normal. However, we tried to run sittings as closely as possible to It helped that Members have been using iPads for some years Standing Orders to provide as much continuity as possible. Even to access their parliamentary papers, although the virtual sitting our Sword of State, which is over 600 years old, was present in required Members to access papers differently (perhaps via the chamber. The President and Clerks wore wigs and gowns, as desktop) or switch between applications. normal. However, the point was made that the dress code would

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be harder to enforce, and the President did not make Members addressed. We have identified the need for a better way of dealing bow to the iPad before leaving the virtual chamber! There was no with voting than at present, which would be available in an upgrade Speaker's procession, but the Clerk announced that the Speaker of Microsoft Teams. was present in the Chamber to start the sitting. Conclusion Opinions of Members The COVID-19 Emergency of 2020 has had many far-reaching Members found the virtual sitting to be a very positive development impacts on the Manx way of life, many of which are yet to be in meeting an urgent need. There was of course a significant realised. However, with our borders effectively closed and people amount of goodwill with Members both in terms of the exigencies being encouraged to stay at home as far as possible, it has inspired of the situation and the use of a virtual sitting. Members were more a collective will to lead by example and trial a ‘virtual sitting’ of than keen to allow interventions and speaking one at a time, and Parliament. The hard work and ingenuity of our staff is to be a lot of 'chatter' continued 'outside of the chamber' via Telegram applauded, and the system will no doubt continue to be refined if Groups which are already established fora. Whether this would be the current emergency endures for much more than a month or two. sustained over time remains to be seen! As far as the public was This will be our way of doing business during these difficult times, concerned there was little appreciable difference. but it is unlikely to endure afterwards due to the limitations which are more easily overcome by a physical sitting than better technology. Lessons learnt The experience has shown though that the Isle of Man has lived up It was very important to test the system with all Members before an to its motto, synonymous with our three-legged flag, ofQuocunque actual sitting. This was achieved by a practice run (not in public) the Jeceris Stabit, or ‘Whichever way you throw me, I will stand’. day before the public sitting. This took the form of a statement and questions and trialed email and 'chat box' voting (emailing votes To hear more about the Isle of Man Parliament’s responses to COVID-19, you was discarded as a solution, being too time-consuming). can listen to Deputy Clerk, Jonathan King, speaking about implementing In addition, all Members were asked to log in 15-20 minutes virtual sittings as part of the CPA webinar sessions on COVID-19 available at early on the actual sitting day to allow for technical issues to be www.cpahq.org/cpahq/coronaviruswebinars.

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DIGITAL INNOVATION HELPS JERSEY’S PARLIAMENT TO SIT VIRTUALLY

One of the smallest Parliaments in the Commonwealth has shown that it is possible for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to hold debates and votes without all being in the same place at the same time during the global COVID- 19 pandemic. The , the Parliament of the Channel Island of Jersey, has 49 Parliamentarians and in April, it sat for the first time in its history in ‘virtual’ form, with only the Presiding Officer (Bailiff) and any Government Minister due to make key statements attending in person, and the remainder joining via video or telephone link. The measures meant that all involved could heed the ‘stay at home’ and ‘social distancing’ rules which are similar to those in force in many other jurisdictions in the Commonwealth. The virtual sitting required the creation of a number of TV-show Senator Lyndon Farnham, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister networks of video and audio feeds to allow debates and votes for Economic Development, Tourism, Culture and Sport, said: “The to happen on one channel, with a director switching between the COVID-19 measures mean we cannot physically meet in the usual different feeds to ensure it was easy to follow. A second private way in our historic States Chamber but the Digital Jersey team channel was used by Parliamentarians to communicate their have helped to ensure that the States Assembly can continue to intentions to speak to the Presiding Officer. carry out its parliamentary duties. It is essential, particularly in times Members of the public who may have ordinarily watched from of emergency, that the democratic process continues, and I am the gallery in the Parliament building in Jersey’s capital, St Helier, pleased we have been able to find an effective digital solution that were able to watch online instead. other jurisdictions can benefit from.” The project was masterminded by Digital Jersey, the Digital Jersey is the government-backed economic development government-backed economic development agency and industry agency and industry association dedicated to the growth of the association dedicated to the growth of the digital sector. Digital digital sector. For further information about Digital Jersey please Jersey CEO, Tony Moretta said: “This was a huge logistical visit www.digital.je/connected-jersey. challenge, not least in ensuring the less tech-savvy among the island’s Parliamentarians were able to join the sitting and participate effectively. We staged a full technical rehearsal on the night before the sitting of Parliament, and I am pleased to say it was business as usual, with ‘digital democracy’ ensuring vital laws could be passed even in the of a health crisis.” Jersey is the one of most connected islands in the world, with full-fibre gigabit connections to every home and business offering some of the fastest average internet speeds on the planet. Mark Egan, States Greffier, Parliament’s Chief Clerk and CPA Jersey Branch Secretary said: “Digital Jersey were essential in helping us hold our virtual sitting successfully, while live-streaming proceedings to the island. We have adapted our procedures to ensure that the Assembly can carry on in virtual form for as long as Above: A virtual sitting of the Jersey States Assembly takes place necessary, debating the exceptional legislation proposed by the with the Bailiff of Jersey (Presiding Officer) presiding assisted by government and holding Ministers to account for their decisions.” the Greffier of the States (Clerk) and other parliamentary staff.

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NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT: SETTING UP THE EPIDEMIC RESPONSE COMMITTEE TO SCRUTINISE THE EXECUTIVE’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19 As the global COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world, so had an apolitical genesis. The widely different Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures have been acknowledged that it needed to be scrutinised and following cross- coming up with solutions to ensure that democracy continues. party agreement and negotiations at the Business Committee in The Parliament of New Zealand swiftly established the Epidemic Parliament, the Epidemic Response Committee was established. Response Committee on 25 March 2020 to consider and report to The result of this approach meant that there is constructive the House on matters relating to the New Zealand Government’s response and buy-in from both Members and from the wider public. management of the COVID-19 epidemic. The Epidemic Response Committee is a Select Committee of the Membership 52nd New Zealand Parliament and it is chaired by Hon. , Following discussion, it was decided that the Epidemic Response MP, the Leader of the Opposition with , MP, the Committee would be chaired by the Leader of the Opposition Opposition Health spokesperson designated as Deputy Chair. The and that the membership of the Committee would also have an Committee has eleven Members and other members are made up Opposition majority, in recognition of the heightened Executive from the various parties represented in the New Zealand Parliament. powers of the New Zealand Government during the current crisis. The Committee meets via online platform Zoom. All political parties have taken a constructive approach to the Committee and, with all parties represented and with an Opposition Original concept majority, it has been the Chairperson that has made key decisions • Enable the New Zealand Parliament and Parliamentarians to about who the Select Committee will invite, who it will hear from stay in the picture regarding the New Zealand Government’s and when, exercising powers given to all Committee Chairs in the actions and responses to the pandemic and to reinforce the New Zealand Parliament’s Standing Orders to invite witnesses on accountability of the Executive to the Legislature. behalf of the Committee. • To provide an avenue for continued questions and Ministerial statements on the current pandemic when the House was not Broad remit able to sit. All of the subject specific Select Committees in the New Zealand • To provide a way to address the practical difficulties of having virtual Parliament have terms of reference codified in the Standing sittings of the whole House, as it is easier and quicker for Select Orders. However, the Epidemic Response Committee does not, Committees to move to meeting remotely and more frequently. nor are there any in the motion establishing the Committee. The broad remit of the Committee is not limited to just the health or Background economic response, and so the Epidemic Response Committee Many Committees at the New Zealand Parliament were already could consider anything relevant to the epidemic (for example, using an online platform (Zoom) widely for hearing evidence from the Committee has been considering how to re-establish sports witnesses and submitters, where they would have previously activities and events). It has established an inquiry into the travelled to attend in person. This was mainly using the webinar Government response to COVID-19 as the vehicle to conduct its function of Zoom that enabled staff to control who was in a waiting business. room and who was promoted to a panellist to speak to Committees. The hearings were already being live streamed to the New Zealand Power to call for persons, papers and records Parliament’s social media and many MPs and parliamentary staff Only the New Zealand Parliament’s Privileges Committee has the were already familiar with Zoom as a platform. power to call for persons, papers and records by right, however, this has also been accorded to the Epidemic Response Committee. Establishment process was unanimous This is unusual - any other Select Committee that wanted to The establishment of the Epidemic Response Committee was summon a person to attend or produce documents has to go largely unanimous. It was proposed by the Clerk of the House, and through the Speaker - and it signals the House’s intention for the

Luke Harris is the Hansard Editor at the Parliament of New Zealand. He is also a regular contributor to The Parliamentarian’s Third Reading reports.

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Above: The Parliament of New Zealand in . Expert witnesses The Epidemic Response Committee has used a series of expert witnesses to set the scene at the start of various hearings. Two Epidemic Response Committee to be a vehicle for strong scrutiny to three-hour hearings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday at an extraordinary time. The Committee has not used this power have generally been themed. Finance and the economy, health, yet, but it may do. small business, hospitality industry, the media, and trade have been The Epidemic Response Committee has had discussions in themes. Hearings have had a mixture of Government Ministers, open hearings with the Commissioner of Police and the Attorney- departments and public submitters. General about waiving legal privilege over advice from Crown To help the Committee and the viewing public know what the Law and the Solicitor-General about the use of emergency issues are they should be focused on in any hearing, the Committee powers granted to the Government under the Health Act, 1956. has had experts start them off with some opening remarks, a few The Cabinet Manual requires the Attorney-General to approve questions, and then into the main submitters. This has been an the release of legal advice from Crown Law and he is been very effective way for issues to be raised, and also for people to share clear he won’t do that. If people wish to challenge the use of these experiences – important for representative function. powers they should go through the courts. This continues to be an At the conclusion, the Committee has returned to the expert for a issue for the Committee. Giving the Committee this power does summing up, a few more questions, and then closing. This has been clearly demonstrate a willingness by the House for the Committee useful for the media too, and we have seen the comments of expert to scrutinise the Government. and submitters to the Committee showing up in media questions to

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NEW ZEALAND PARLIAMENT: EPIDEMIC RESPONSE COMMITTEE (CONTINUED) the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and the Director-General response and possible solutions to the challenges people and of Health at their daily 1pm COVID-19 media briefing. business are facing. There are plans for the Committee to continue to operate in this Open to the public way under alert Level 3, but perhaps to change again in some way Committees in the New Zealand Parliament were already live when the country moves to alert Level 2 and the whole House is streaming to social media channels but the decision to push able to sit for more hours. proceedings out through every available channel was really In addition, it is likely that the Epidemic Response Committee important, as was strong connection with mainstream media will be referred some legislation in the near future and so this may organisations, which meant there was good pick-up. The Epidemic change its role again, with hearings being paused temporarily Response Committee proceedings have been live streamed to the whilst they examine the legislation. Parliament website, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and broadcast on Parliament TV (with a repeat in the afternoons at 2pm) and Radio Lessons learnt so far from the Epidemic Response Committee New Zealand (RNZ). • Reporting – the Committee has heard around 55 hours of The cameras used for the Committee aren’t broadcast quality, evidence over a five-week period. Attempting to provide the which wasn’t perfect for viewers, but solutions were found quickly Committee with a report, even an interim report, so that it could by parliamentary staff to assist the Committee. Hearings have live update the House on its activities, was a massive undertaking captioning with a full Hansard transcript made available promptly by the parliamentary staff and mini-reports have been provided and available on demand. every one to two weeks instead. • Ministerial accountability at Select Committees – previously, ‘Best Harry Potter’ impression the only time that Government Ministers appeared at Perhaps the quirkiest element of the support provided to the Committee in the New Zealand Parliament was for scrutiny of Epidemic Response Committee is that the Deputy Clerk of the Estimates. However, the Epidemic Response Committee Committee, who is the New Zealand Parliament’s resident expert has had Government Ministers attending every week. This has in supporting the Committee Members and witnesses with Zoom, been an excellent advance in parliamentary scrutiny and will has been ‘hosting’ the meetings from her laundry cupboard. To hopefully lead to more Government Ministers appearing at make sure she has the strongest Wi-Fi connection possible she has Committees in the future. been sitting at a desk as close to her Wi-Fi router as possible, which • Broadcasting - The lesson here is that it isn’t as difficult as happens to be in her laundry cupboard. It’s worked really well. you think it is to facilitate an online Committee. Parliamentary Other Committee Clerks have remarked that it’s been strange staff figured out how to run the Committee in an afternoon to see inside Members’ homes, for MPs to have seen inside their with the help of an incredible technical team. The increased homes, and in a couple of instances inside their bedrooms if that is coverage of Committee hearings on TV channels has also where they have been working from. The media has reported on been a positive outcome. The Committee has had some the various and varied kinds of backdrops that MPs and witnesses really excellent public engagement and has shown MPs in a have had. The numerous bookshelves, fishes, flames, changing very positive light, engaging with each other by first name in a paintings etc and, in the case of one expert witness, the mini-bust friendly, jovial way that members of the public often don’t see statue that was behind him. if they only watch the more formal proceedings and question time in the main Chamber. Move to alert Level 3 and beyond • Opposition-dominated Committees – having the Epidemic The Epidemic Response Committee’s role has changed since the Response Committee dominated by Opposition Members and move to alert Level 3 and the return to more frequent sittings in having an Opposition party Chair has provided an excellent Parliament. The Committee has continued to meet on Tuesday, platform for scrutiny of the Executive in Parliament. This Wednesday and Thursday, but for between 2 and 3 hours instead particular Committee has worked very cordially together and of 3 to 4 hours, and no Ministers have been invited. The return of could be a model that we see more of going forward, hopefully Oral Questions on sitting days may have had an impact on that. in more positive times. But the Committee has continued to hear from those affected by COVID-19 and to hear scrutiny of the New Zealand Government’s

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RESPONDING TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF KENYA

Along with several other Commonwealth countries in the However, despite the challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 Africa Region, Kenya has (to date) opted against a full COVID-19 global pandemic, the National Assembly of Kenya has continued lockdown. The Kenyan Government reacted to its first confirmed to execute its mandate as enshrined in the Constitution. Notably, case of Coronavirus on 13 March 2020 by banning public whereas the Executive has put in place measures to protect citizens gatherings, then added school closures and flight bans shortly against the pandemic, it is the Legislature that is expected to after. On 25 March 2020, with 25 confirmed cases, Kenya imposed institute the legal frameworks to make these protections possible. a ‘dusk-to-dawn’ curfew. Additional restrictions came on 6 April The need for the National Assembly to continue discharging its 2020, with partial lockdowns of four with the highest functions as espoused in Article 95 of the Constitution amidst the infection rates – , Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale. According to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic cannot therefore be the Commonwealth COVID-19 tracker1, Kenya has reported 715 overstated. confirmed cases of Coronavirus with 36 confirmed deaths. On 2 and 11 April 2020, the Speaker of the National Assembly, The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the manner in which Rt Hon. Justin B. Muturi, MP issued guidelines on the conduct of Parliaments all over the world conduct their business, and the sittings of the House and Committee meetings during the COVID-19 National Assembly of Kenya is no exception. The unprecedented pandemic period. These guidelines have been in use in the sittings circumstances occasioned by the pandemic have required that the of the National Assembly undertaken since then. National Assembly reengineers its operations and the manner in which it conducts its business. Below: The Parliament of Kenya in Nairobi.

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RESPONDING TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF KENYA (CONTINUED)

Legislation in relation to COVID-19 House and in total, there are now 53 seats that have been marked The National Assembly of Kenya considered and approved a in the Chamber (as consolidated with the voting lobby) for use by number of priority business items that sought to cushion Kenyans Members of Parliament. against the immediate economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each seat in the Chamber has been assigned a number, which These legislative measures included: is accessible on a ‘first-register first occupy’ basis, except for • the Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which proposed a raft special seats designated for the Deputy Speaker, the Leader of the of taxation measures to cushion the economy and Kenyans Majority Party, the Leader of the Minority Party, the Majority Party against the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic Whip, the Minority Party Whip and a Member scheduled to move including a reduction of personal income tax, exemption any business listed in the Order Paper for that particular sitting. of personal protection equipment such as face masks from Attendance at the sittings of the House is on rotational basis while VAT, and exemption of basic food items (milk, milk products also reflecting the party representation in the House. Members and bread), agricultural inputs and certain services (clean who would like to attend a sitting of the House are required to energy production, fishing and tourism sectors) from additional register through a BULK SMS service operated by the Clerk of the taxation; National Assembly. Except for the designated seats, the priority of • the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2020, which made allocation of the rest of the seats is accorded to Members who have various budgetary adjustments in order to reflect the new expressed desire to attend by way of registration. economic reality. In addition, the House also amended the Bill There are three designated holding/waiting areas to by providing Appropriations under the Ministry of Health, ring- accommodate other Members of Parliament who wish to participate fenced to various hospitals across the Kenya and earmarked in proceedings as they wait for the opportunity to access the for COVID-19 pandemic interventions; Chamber, when another Member leaves. Each previously used • the Public Finance Management (COVID-19 Emergency seat is sanitized before occupation by another Member. The Response Fund) Regulations, 2020, which sought to establish designated holding areas are located within the precincts of the the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide a Parliament Buildings. framework for mobilization of resources for emergency Members of Parliament seated at any of the designated holding response in containing the spread, effect and impact of the areas are, upon request, allowed to contribute to the debate by COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya, in response to a directive by walking in an orderly manner to the Chamber and using a stationary The . The Public Finance Management Act, microphone at a designated area. When a division is called, or 2012 requires that any fund established under section 24 of the as and when the need arises, Members seated at any of the Act must obtain the approval of the National Assembly to be designated holding areas are also allowed to vote. effective; and In order to facilitate a division, the Party Whips are required to • several regulations dealing with curfew orders and restriction designate the tellers for ‘Ayes’ and for the ‘Noes’. During voting, of movement of persons and related measures in certain Members are required to walk in an orderly manner to the voting counties with higher incidences of COVID-19 were also lobby. Each Member is then required to declare assent or dissent approved, among other legislative measures. to a question. Thereafter, the tellers present the result of the roll call vote to the Speaker who shall thereupon announce the result of the Business in the House vote to the House. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conduct of the business of the National Assembly of Kenya and Chamber sittings were The conduct of Committee Sittings reexamined. The main Chamber, which has a seating capacity of Currently, the Committee sittings at the National Assembly of 418, has now been reduced to only 60 seats to adhere to the social Kenya are held only in designated meeting rooms in line with the distancing protocols. The voting lobby has also been designated recommendations of the Ministry of Health. The Committee rooms as part of the Chamber for the purposes of the sittings of the can only be occupied by a maximum of nine people at any given

Lucy Wanjohi is a parliamentary staff member in the Directorate of Legislative and Procedural Services at the National Assembly of Kenya.

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time. The rooms can accommodate up to thirty people in normal circumstances. All Committees are dissuaded from sitting, except those considering matters or proposals aimed at actualizing measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the consideration of the Annual Budget estimates in May 2020, Committees will be allowed to sit while observing the reduced numbers, social distancing and hygiene protocols. All Committee Chairpersons have been encouraged to liaise with Party Whips on the management of attendance of Members of Parliament to the various Committee sittings. In addition, the Committee meetings have been facilitated by a small number of parliamentary staff, who provide research and technical support to the Committees.

Virtual sittings of the House In the updated guidelines issued by the Speaker of the National Assembly on 2 April 2020, it was emphasised that there was a need to explore ways in which the sittings of the House and its Committees could best be facilitated amidst the current health concerns, including the use of modern technology. As a result of these guidelines, the Procedure and House Rules Committee proposed amendments to the Standing Orders to entrench virtual sittings of the House. The proposal was approved by the House on 6 May 2020. In its report, the Committee proposed a ‘hybrid’ model that combines both physical and virtual participation of Members of Parliament. While making the proposal, the Committee gave regard to a number of factors including the • The registration of the attendance of Members of Parliament; constitutional requirements on ensuring that a quorum is present • A voting system which is simple, accurate, verifiable, secure, and voting procedures. accountable, transparent and facilitate the prompt declaration Article 121 of the provides that a quorum of the result of each vote taken; is fifty Members of the National Assembly of Kenya. In addition, • Documentation sharing and record keeping; Article 122 of the Constitution requires that decisions in the National • Security from attacks including espionage; and Assembly, except where the Constitution has prescribed a fixed • Compatibility with existing systems in use including audio and majority, are to be determined by a majority of the Members in the video capabilities. House, present (this presumes physical presence in the Chamber) and voting. Conclusion The voting practice of the House during a division is either It is worth noting that the amendments to the Standing Orders through electronic means or by roll call in the event of failure of shall come into effect on Monday 18 May 2020, to give time for the electronic system. Both of these voting processes require the the Speaker to formulate further guidelines that will actualize the presence of Members in the Chamber. In this regard, the physical proposed model. The guidelines will provide for such matters as attendance of Members presented by a ‘hybrid’ system was attendance, voting, etiquette and conduct of Members while observed to be desirable. The ‘hybrid’ approach will also ensure participating in a virtual sitting. An appropriate information and that there are Members present for the purposes of establishing a communications technology platform for the conduct of the virtual quorum and voting in accordance with the dictates of Articles 121 proceedings will be prescribed. and 122 of the Constitution. It is expected that once the new guidelines are in place, that The ‘hybrid’ model will use a virtual platform that has capabilities the National Assembly of Kenya will proceed to hold its first virtual for, among other things: sittings when it returns from parliamentary recess on 2 June 2020.

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NEW PANDEMIC, NEW POLITICS? INSIDE THE UK’S VIRTUAL PARLIAMENT

Former New Zealand Parliamentarian and the Chief Executive of videoconferencing facilities, to help Select Committees to the Electoral Reform Society gives his take on the UK's 'Virtual' undertake their work virtually. Parliament. The government also agreed to a call from the Commons’ Procedures Committee to allow the use of videoconferencing to On 25 March 2020 – just a few days after lockdown began in the hold meetings and conduct evidence sessions during the recess United Kingdom – the UK Parliament adjourned early for its Easter period. In the weeks of recess that followed after adjournment, the UK recess. In the heat of a global pandemic, it was not clear how or Parliament’s authorities have adapted with considerable speed to get when MPs and peers would return. scrutiny back in place, and for the UK Parliament to return more safely.

In the days before, the number of UK MPs attending Parliament Concerns had been limited – dwindling to just a few dozen, as ‘social The Electoral Reform Society – the UK’s leading democracy distancing’ rules kicked in. Despite the precautions however, MPs campaign group – had a number of concerns about the state of and parliamentary staff were undoubtedly at risk. Coronavirus was parliamentary scrutiny during the three-week long recess. spreading through Westminster, with a number of MPs already 1. The Electoral Reform Society were worried that several weeks suffering from the virus. without the UK Parliament sitting – immediately after the UK The UK Parliament did make some important initial changes. On Government had been handed sweeping emergency powers - 17 March 2020, the Communications and Digital posed risks for scrutiny. Committee took evidence from witnesses via teleconference 2. Though numbers of MPs attending were being limited, all and videoconference. This was a landmark in parliamentary votes would continue to take place in-person. That would modernisation. Other Committees did suspend taking evidence mean divisions would have to be handled through the party however, meaning ongoing scrutiny became patchy. whips offices – potentially limiting the possibility for backbench On 23 March 2020, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, disagreement and MPs having their say. Rt Hon. Sir , MP, made a statement setting out 3. A pre-recess row over who would chair the House of Commons’ additional changes to the way that the House would operate important Liaison Committee – which brings together Select amid the pandemic. As noted by the Institute for Government, this Committee Chairs to coordinate cross-departmental scrutiny – included limiting the numbers of MPs able to walk through the meant that there was no dedicated Committee for responding voting lobbies at any one time (divisions would take around 30–40 to the government’s handling of the Coronavirus crisis. minutes, rather than their usual 15–20 minutes). Members were also asked to think carefully about the number There were a number of other democratic vulnerabilities. For of written parliamentary questions that they tabled, to recognise example, the power to suspend and recall Parliament itself lies that answering these questions takes up the time of civil servants. with the Executive. The early adjournment of the UK Parliament Work would continue over Easter recess to improve Parliament’s – while potentially necessary – reflected the fact that Parliament

Darren Hughes is the Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society and is a former Commonwealth Parliamentarian. Originally from New Zealand, he was elected to the New Zealand House of Representatives at age 24 and served across three Parliaments. Image credit: Gus Palmer During that time, he was a Government Minister; an Opposition Shadow Minister; a party whip; and in addition to portfolio responsibilities such as transport; infrastructure; social development and employment; and education was Deputy Leader and then Shadow Leader of the House.

Josiah Mortimer is is a writer and Communications specialist and he works with the Electoral Reform Society.

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did not yet have the mechanisms ready to work remotely/digitally. Parliamentary scrutiny was therefore said to be hampered when enormous life-changing decisions were to be made each day. Being a prerogative power, calls which were made by MPs for an early ‘virtual’ recall of the UK Parliament went ignored. Moreover, while the Emergency Powers Bill did have cross-

party support, it was noted by some commentators that this was Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor not necessary due to the UK Government’s majority, under the Westminster ‘first past the post’ voting system. While the UK Government did add a six-monthly review into the legislation, there are few other in-built safeguards or scrutiny mechanisms to ensure the emergency powers were used and monitored effectively. The rapid passing of the legislation and reliance on ‘secondary instruments’ (for example the Ministerial ability to turn powers ‘off’ or ‘on’) – did mean that important issues from civil liberties, disability, and mental health groups were not raised until after legislation passed – again unable to be addressed by the early recess. While some Select Committees did meet virtually during the recess period, the number of sessions was greatly reduced, and scrutiny of the UK Government was largely limited to No 10’s daily press conferences, where journalists (and later members of the public) were permitted to ask a number of questions.

The Commons’ approach When the UK Parliament did return from recess, the approach taken by the UK House of Commons under the Speaker’s direction, was to move towards a ‘hybrid’ House of Commons – virtual proceedings taking place alongside physical ones. This approach was backed by the Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon. Jacob Rees Mogg, MP as well as the Opposition, following talks with the new Labour leader, Rt Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, MP. involvement of party whips, to ensure MPs could keep 2m apart on There was a healthy amount of cross-party working, with the the green benches. motion moving towards a ‘hybrid’ Commons passing before the After testing the technology, the first ‘virtual Prime Minister’s recess period without needing to be taken to a vote. The UK Questions’ took place on 22 April 2020. As the UK Prime Minister Parliament’s authorities then worked hard to ensure the technology himself was suffering from Coronavirus at the time, the First was ready. Secretary of State, Rt Hon. Dominic Raab, MP and the new Leader Government Ministers and Shadow Ministers would continue to of the Opposition Rt Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, MP successfully went make statements and answer questions in the House of Commons ‘head to head’ across the despatch box – with MPs across the UK chamber itself, but MPs would be able to contribute remotely calling in via video-link to ask questions. via video-link (additional big screens were placed around the Viewers have now got used to fully or near-fully virtual Select Commons chamber). Committee sessions and the system is (as of early May 2020) The idea was to place the virtual attendees – who would call working well, with the public getting a good idea about their MPs’ in via the online platform, Zoom – on an equal footing with those book choices and interior design! in the chamber: in other words, there would be no advantage to Then, with little fanfare, the UK House of Commons made British those Members travelling to the Commons. This was a crucial history on 6 May 2020. After centuries of ‘slow marches’ through the principle. Numbers attending in-person were also limited, with the ‘lobbies’ to vote, UK MPs took part in the Commons’ first ever online

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ballot, to elect the heads of two important Select Committees. It was a remarkable moment for an institution that has often been slow to modernise, and it will now be rolled out for other votes. As noted by UK

Parliamentarian, Wera Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor Hobhouse, MP, in an interview with the Electoral Reform Society (see page 122), it must be said that the House of Commons’ business is much reduced during the current pandemic. For example, ‘Westminster Hall debates’ – which allow MPs to host debates on topics they would like to champion – have stopped, and the ability of backbenchers to lobby Ministers in the (aptly- named) voting lobbies has been curtailed due to the crisis. Some MPs have called for ‘fully virtual sittings’. “We talk of a Unlike the UK House of Commons, the House of Lords did not hybrid Parliament but in fact what we have achieved is the ability for initially opt for ‘hybrid’ proceedings (or indeed go ‘fully-virtual’). some to join the physical discussion in the chamber remotely. The Lords authorities chose to continue to hold all formal legislative entire is still contingent on a physical meeting taking place in stages, votes, and motions of the house, in-person. Meanwhile, the Commons chamber. It is now time to consider making use of debates and parliamentary questions, as well as Committee the digital platform to allow a fully virtual session of Parliament,” meetings would be taken wholly virtually. Tommy Sheppard, MP said in a parliamentary debate. The decision was particularly controversial given that the However, these issues may be rectifiable through the average age of the House of Lords is 70 years old – an ‘at-risk’ lengthening of virtual sitting times, and perhaps new virtual ways to demographic, with peers and parliamentary staff potentially lobby Minsters. There are growing calls for some of the innovations feeling pressured to attend in order to have their voices heard on to be made permanent. legislation and crucial motions. Another UK Parliamentarian, Kenny MacAskill, MP, told the Electoral Unlike the House of Commons, the House of Lords also opted Reform Society that the UK House of Commons had ‘come a long way to use the Microsoft Teams platform instead of the Commons’ from a standing start’. “Only weeks before lockdown I had a funeral to approach of using Zoom. The former platform is less optimal for attend and asked about Skyping in [to Commons proceedings]. ‘Not broadcasting – meaning that for over a week there was no live- possible’, I was told. Now it’s routine,” he said. The Scottish MP wants broadcast of the House of Lords proceedings. The Electoral Reform Members to continue to be able to contribute virtually from outside Society were deeply concerned about a lack of public scrutiny of Westminster, even after the pandemic. For Scottish MPs, this would let the House of Lords during this time. them spend far less time travelling to another nation – but it could also When the House of Lords authorities did get the system up have benefits for disabled or pregnant MPs. and running, there were reports of data breaches after the mobile phone numbers of some Members were read out when they The Lords’ approach entered or exited the session on Microsoft Teams. The House of Unfortunately, the innovations discussed so far only account for Lords referred itself to the Information Commissioners Office and one half of the UK Parliament. The ‘Other Place’ – the unelected the live-broadcasts were again (temporarily) stopped while the House of Lords – has been far less swift to modernise. online platform was reviewed.

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“The shift to Zoom was a huge relief after doing battle with the aim of fully implementing it the following week. Committees in Microsoft Teams,” UK Parliamentarian, Baroness Bennett of Manor the Scottish Parliament have already been taking place remotely. Castle told the Electoral Reform Society. "But there is a disappointing lack of commitment from the government, and a shortage of Other innovations determination from what are known as the "Usual Channels" - the As well as amending parliamentary procedures, the Electoral larger parties - in committing to proper scrutiny and functioning. Reform Society believe consideration should be given to involving While the Commons is going ahead with online voting, there's still members of the public in responding to these democratic a lot of resistance to that in the Lords. And so we had this week an shortcomings. A citizens’ assembly or jury, composed of a embarrassed-looking Deputy asking Peers to say representative sample of the population, could be established to 'content' [a vote in favour] and 'not content' [a vote against] and 'The periodically review legislation or emergency powers, and thus act contents have it'. But our microphones were all muted.” as a further check on Executive powers. Rt Hon. Lord Tyler was also concerned that the Lords’ difficulties The Electoral Reform Society have also recommended a dedicated were hampering scrutiny. “The Lords are in a much weaker position New Zealand-style Coronavirus Response Select Committee to be [than the Commons]. There is now no mechanism there for all adopted by the UK Parliament, with a majority of Opposition MPs. It’s a Peers to scrutinise legislation - let alone vote on it - and there is a call that has now been picked up by other parties. strong suspicion that this is the intended objective of No 10, rather than just a technical problem,” he said. Conclusion In a sign that many Parliamentarians are unhappy with Like many countries across the Commonwealth, the United proceedings in the House of Lords, 210 cross-party and Kingdom’s response to the COVID-19 crisis has been an issue of independent Members have signed a letter to the Lord Speaker learning very quickly. It has had hiccups and pitfalls but – in the UK and the Leader of the House asking that the House of Lords sitting House of Commons and some of the devolved administrations – time be extended to enable greater scrutiny. the parliamentary authorities and Members have adapted rapidly to the global pandemic with alacrity and dynamism. During the current global pandemic, the devolved Legislatures of Rt Hon. , MP, and Chair of the House of Commons the United Kingdom have also been reviewing their parliamentary Procedures Committee, told the Electoral Reform Society: “The proceedings. House of Commons service has achieved brilliant work to ensure that democracy, and scrutiny, can continue to function in these The extraordinary times. But it’s important to remember that these The Welsh Senedd (Parliament, in Welsh) was one of the first to measures will always be sub-optimal. There is no substitute for adopt virtual proceedings, holding its first virtual meeting on 1 April the spontaneity and cut and thrust of scrutiny achieved by holding 2020. Sixteen Members of the Senedd took part, with a recording the Government to account in the House of Commons Chamber.” of the meeting made available shortly afterwards. The Procedure Committee is currently consulting with the public Since then this procedure has become a regular occurrence, and Members of Parliament on how the ‘virtual’ UK Parliament with voting conducted using ‘weighted voting’ – one Member of arrangements are operating. each political group voting on behalf of the others. This global crisis has proven something: the UK Parliament – The Welsh Government has reached out to other parties in this 1000+ year old institution – can adapt when it needs to. We inviting the Opposition parties onto its ‘Coronavirus’ Cabinet hope these lessons are learned to strengthen democracy and Committee – these are currently in non-voting positions but are a amplify the voice of voters in the long-run. It is clear that Britain welcome sign of cross-party working. has a democratic crisis: one of rock-bottom trust in politics. There are many more potential modernisations to explore to ensure The Scottish Parliament parliamentary scrutiny is bolstered – not just in a pandemic but The Scottish Parliament is adopting a similar ‘hybrid’ model to the UK permanently. Can the UK’s political institutions ‘build back better’ House of Commons, with all MSPs soon being able to ask questions, after this is over? take part in Committee business and (it is hoped), to vote remotely. At the time of writing, this was not yet in place, with Members still attending Holyrood for First Minister’s Questions. Presiding Officer, For more information about the Electoral Reform Society please visit Rt Hon. Ken Macintosh, MSP said that he hoped the fully ‘hybrid’ http://electoral-reform.org.uk/. approach could be tested by the week beginning 11 May 2020, with

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LIFE FOR A BACKBENCHER IN THE UK'S VIRTUAL PARLIAMENT

In this interview with the Speaker will create some opportunity to do that? Who knows what Electoral Reform Society, the wonders of tech will allow us to do in the future? But currently UK Parliamentarian, Wera it’s very limited. Hobhouse, MP speaks I’ve not gone to London at all, and have kept working remotely.

Image credit: UK Parliament about the ‘hybrid-virtual’ The volume I can cover going from Zoom meeting to meeting [is Parliament and the difficulties good]! Usually we have to cover some ground in Parliament! facing smaller parties in the Legislature. Are there any changes that might last? I’ve been having a ‘climate cluster’, a weekly meeting of council How have the UK House of figures [on green issues]. The number of participants [with virtual Commons’ virtual Parliament proceedings can] increase massively. But I don’t think in future we arrangements been working? can go entirely away from physical meetings. The parliamentary services have I can’t wait for some element of physical meetings coming back, done a fantastic job - the technical side is fine. You notice what a with the proviso that it’s safe. There’s definitely an advantage to be crisis can do – all things we never thought were possible, they’re physically in the chamber now sorting out. Online voting! That’s progress we never thought would be possible in 20 years. Does it matter that you’re not in the chamber? In terms of procedure, the parliamentary business that we’re It is a ‘hybrid’ system in that some people are still physically in the currently covering is very limited. The spontaneity has been chamber. You can’t speak up unless you’re on the Speaker’s list. I completely curtailed. You can’t bob up during Ministerial questions don’t think constituents would find it different whether I’m speaking to ask additional questions – it’s very regimented. from my computer at home or filmed standing up in the chamber. That has a negative impact on smaller parties [like my party the Either way they’re seeing what I’m doing, so that doesn’t matter. Liberal Democrats] – it’s regulated via ballot. The opportunity to The recommendation is to deliver virtual contributions sitting come up in a ballot [for a virtual debate] if you’re 11 MPs out of 650 down, so you don’t get people only seeing your neck or your is very rare. chin. Is it tidy enough, do I show off my bookshelf…where do you The other way to intervene virtually is through your whips office put your speaking notes? These things are all being debated in as a spokesperson. This is allocated on a political balance basis, so parliamentary teams! small parties have very few opportunities to speak.

Below: The UK Parliament's first trial for online voting. How can that be counterbalanced? We have to work extra hard to make our voices heard. In a physical Parliament that was possible – in a virtual Parliament that was not possible at all. I’ve only spoken once in three weeks – and then only because the whips put me forward as spokesperson. Otherwise I

appear silent! Image credit: UK Parliament The time [for virtual debates] doesn’t exceed anything over four hours. Usually, when we start at 11:30 on a Tuesday we go on until 7. We have Westminster Hall debates, and backbench debates on a Thursday. All these opportunities are currently not there. Therefore, it’s probably a quarter of the normal parliamentary activity. We could increase the number of MPs participating in [virtual] departmental questions, otherwise this will not improve. The spontaneous element – I don’t know how to improve that. We’ve all got used to Zoom meetings, but there are limited opportunities where you can raise your hand – who knows if the

122 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 SPECIAL REPORT: COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTS' RESPONSES TO COVID-19

How is online voting working? It’s been trialled over several days. It was a bit patchy at first, but we’ve now voted in two Select Committee Chairs, with a further trial this morning. It works remarkably well. [The voting is conducted through the internal

parliamentary intranet, with secure Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor access codes for Members].

Should online voting stay after the pandemic? We definitely need to have a debate on the advantages and disadvantages…of online voting if you can’t make it yourself. Currently voting in the lobby takes 20 minutes – a good part of your own time. During the Brexit legislation, we’d finish a debate at midnight and then an hour and a half of voting – you’re not back home until 2am! So there’s a big advantage to look into [online voting]. for two years) – even then, it’s a massive increase in what the government can do. Are there other innovations you think should be made during this I have to acknowledge that the government has accepted quite pandemic? a large amount of proposals on things they hadn’t really thought Parliament has given the [UK] Government a vast amount of power. through…the detail was fine-tuned with a lot of contributions from They’re making many important decisions that infringe on people’s across the House. lives and civil liberties. With these very increased powers should I’ve got a vast criticism of way the government has handled go very increased scrutiny – that hasn’t happened. If government it, but we’ve been careful not to be too critical as it’s a massive continues to have these large powers (the emergency laws last emergency – need to get people on board and not make people feel too scared.

Does the voting system to elect MPs play a part when it comes to scrutiny? Obviously – the government have a very big majority, and a false sense of security that’s not based on [support from] a ‘proper’ majority of the country. Disproportionate power has given them this idea that they can speak with one voice. The voting system really distorts democracy. The tools that Parliament currently has Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor are greatly reduced, and the amount of scrutiny is greatly reduced when the government has an artificial majority in the [UK House of] Commons.

This interview was conducted by Josiah Mortimer for the Electoral Reform Society. http://electoral-reform.org.uk.

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Commonwealth Parliamentary Association helps Parliaments and Legislatures in the Commonwealth to identify benchmarks of good governance The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are helping to provide a framework for excellence in Commonwealth parliamentary and legislative practice. Reinforcing the belief that effective Parliaments are one of the principal institutions of any functioning democracy, the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures provide a minimum standard and a guide on how a Parliament should be constituted and how it should function. The CPA Headquarters Secretariat has been engaged CP4D Seminar recently in assisting CPA Branches to conduct self-assessments To mark the conclusion of the Commonwealth Partnership using the CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures. Over for Democracy (CP4D), the CP4D partners, including the CPA, the last 18 months, a number of Commonwealth Parliaments held a seminar in March 2020 on ‘Inclusive Politics in Practice have undertaken the Benchmarking exercise with the support in the Commonwealth’. The panel session on using the of the CPA Headquarters Secretariat including South Africa, updated CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures heard Malaysia, Kenya, Belize, Tanzania, Grenada, Ghana, Uganda from Commonwealth Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff and Sierra Leone. on their experiences of using the CPA Benchmarks. The Acting CPA Secretary-General, Mr Jarvis Matiya said: “The CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic The presentations and videos at the seminar included: Legislatures reinforce the belief that effective Parliaments are • The Deputy Speaker of the , Rt Hon. one of the principal institutions of any functioning democracy, Jacob L’Okori Oulanyah shared his experience of using and provide a minimum standard and a guide on how a the updated CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures Parliament should be constituted and how it should function as the Uganda Parliament has recently undertaken a self- in line with the values and principles of the Commonwealth assessment utilising the CPA Benchmarks. Charter on the development of free and democratic societies.” • Former UK MP, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods advocated The CPA also worked with the Commonwealth Partnership for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Democracy (CP4D) (funded through the UK Government) over the Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures as they reinforce last two years to further advance inclusion and accountability using the belief that effective Parliaments are really important the CPA benchmarks across the Commonwealth. The partnership for a functioning democracy and set out the role of was led by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in Commonwealth Parliaments. partnership with the CPA Headquarters Secretariat, the CPA UK • The Clerk of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Paran Branch and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF). Tarawally spoke about the practical application of the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures during a self- • The following CPA Branches undertook CPA benchmarks assessment utilising the CPA Benchmarks. assessments funded through the CP4D project: Parliaments of Belize, South Africa, Malaysia, Kenya, Uganda, St Lucia, Pakistan, To view the videos from the CP4D seminar where panellists spoke about Tanzania, Grenada, Ghana and The Gambia. their experiences of utilising the updated CPA Benchmarks for Democratic • The Parliaments of Sierra Leone and Anguilla have been Legislatures please visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/CP4Dseminar. assessed against the CPA Benchmarks through funding from the CPA Headquarters.

A number of CPA Benchmarks assessments were undertaken by Parliamentary consultants, Meenakshi Dhar and Anthony Staddon on behalf of the CPA Headquarters Secretariat.

To download a copy of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures please visit www.cpahq.org/ cpahq/benchmarks.

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CPA Uganda Branch The Parliament of Uganda undertook an assessment as part of the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures to assess parliamentary excellence and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 16. The CPA assessment was held as part of the Uganda Parliament’s 3rd Annual Legislature Review and involved a large number of parliamentary officials and staff, chaired by the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, MP and the Clerk to Parliament, Mrs Jane Kibirige. The Parliament’s annual review also included stakeholders such as youth groups and civil society, which results in future inputs into the Legislative and Committee processes, including the budget process.

CPA St Lucia Branch The Parliament of St Lucia undertook an assessment as part of the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures to assess parliamentary excellence and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 16. The CPA team met with the Speaker of the St Lucia House of Assembly, Hon. Andy Daniel, MP; the President of the Senate of St Lucia and Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) representative for the CPA Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region, Hon. Jeannine Michele Giraudy-McIntyre; the Prime Minister of St Lucia, Hon. Allen Michael Chastanet, MP; the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Philip J Pierre, MP as well as current and former Speakers and Members of Parliament and the St Lucia Youth Council to discuss St Lucia’s experience of legislation, oversight and representation with particular reference to the CPA Small Branches.

CPA Kenya Branch The Parliament of Kenya undertook an assessment as part of the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures to assess parliamentary excellence and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 in December 2019. The CPA team met with the Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly and the CPA Africa Regional Chairperson, Rt Hon. Justin B. Muturi, MP; Hon. Aden Duale, MP, Majority Leader in the House; the Clerk at National Assembly of Kenya, Michael Sialai as well as officials from the to discuss the Kenya Parliament’s legislative processes as part of the assessment.

CPA Pakistan Branch As part of the pre-assessment against the CPA benchmarks to review parliamentary excellence and achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 16, Mr Qamar Sohail Lodhi, Special Secretary at the National Assembly of Pakistan visited the CPA Headquarters Secretariat to meet with CPA staff to review legislation and parliamentary processes ahead of the assessment. This was followed by the assessment visit to Pakistan in February 2020 where the CPA team held two days of intensive meetings with the National Assembly of Pakistan led by Mr Tahir Hussain, Secretary of the National Assembly Secretariat. As part of the CPA assessment, meetings were also held with the SDGs team in Pakistan including the Chairperson, Dr Nausheen Hamid, MNA to discuss the parliamentary structures and interventions on the SDGs. For a more detailed report of the assessment process at the National Assembly of Pakistan, please turn to page 132.

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CPA Gambia Branch The National Assembly of The Gambia undertook an assessment as part of the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures in January 2020. The National Assembly rejoined the membership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in 2019 following re-joining the Commonwealth in 2018. Previously, The Gambia first joined the CPA in 1949. The CPA team met with the Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Hon. Mariam Jack-Denton and the Clerk of the House, Momodou A. Sise as well as the Majority Leader, Hon. Kebba Barrow and the Minority Leader, Hon. Samba Jallow and parliamentary officials to discuss legislation, oversight, representation, the autonomy of Parliament and the budget-making process.

CPA Sierra Leone Branch In February 2020, the CPA Headquarters Secretariat facilitated a benchmarks assessment against the CPA’s Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures with the Parliament of Sierra Leone in Freetown. The assessment visit team met with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, MP, party leaders, the women’s caucus and the Clerk of Parliament, Mr Paran Tarawally amongst others, who shared their experiences and knowledge with the CPA team. The Sierra Leone Parliament set up a specific committee of parliamentary staff who were tasked over several months with using the CPA benchmarks as a self-assessment tool and monitoring tasks and outcomes against the benchmarks to identify any gaps and highlight areas for improvement. The area of financial autonomy was identified as an area where the Parliament could learn from the experiences of other Commonwealth Parliaments as part of the assessment process.

CPA Anguilla Branch In February 2020, the House of Assembly of Anguilla became the eleventh Commonwealth Legislature to use the benchmarks framework to conduct an assessment. The overall objective of the exercise was for local stakeholders to measure the progress of their Legislature in achieving democratic and good governance standards by comparing their practices to the CPA benchmarks. The assessment was approved by the Speaker of the House of Assembly of Anguilla, Hon. Terry Harrigan; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Jose Vanterpool and in advance of the assessment, the Clerk of the House, Mr Lenox Proctor undertook a review of the technical and legal benchmarks. The CPA assessment team met with over 50 stakeholders including the , Deputy Governor, Premier, Government Ministers, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, Members of the House, election candidates, civil servants, civil society, the media and youth groups.

CPA Grenada Branch In January 2020, the undertook an assessment against the CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures to assess parliamentary excellence. The CPA team met with the Speaker of the House, Hon. Michael Pierre, MP and the Clerk, Andrew Augustine; Senator Andre Lewis and Senator Glynis Roberts; former Speakers, Hon. Dr Sir Lawrence Joseph and Hon. George McGuire; as well as parliamentary officials to discuss legislation, oversight and the autonomy of Parliament.

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REASSESSMENT AGAINST THE UPDATED CPA BENCHMARKS FOR DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURES

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory was one of the first CPA Small Branches to measure itself against the CPA Recommended Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures when they were first published in 2006. Over a decade on, the ACT Legislature revisited the CPA Benchmarks to assess their progress.

Background and purpose With the changes to the CPA underlying democratic In 2006, a Commonwealth Benchmarks in 2018, the Office functions of the Legislative Parliamentary Association (CPA) of the Legislative Assembly2 branch of government in study group hosted by Bermuda wished to establish whether mind. Parliaments have a produced a report entitled, the Assembly’s performance number of important functions Recommended Benchmarks had changed. This paper sets including: the representation for Democratic Legislatures. out the results of the Office’s of electors, the scrutiny of Drawing on a range of assessment of the revised CPA government and holding the earlier works, including the Benchmarks. Executive to account, and the National Democratic Institute’s consideration and passage discussion paper, Toward the Method of legislation. In making its Tom Duncan Development of International An assessment team, assessments, the assessment is the Clerk of the Standards for Democratic comprising the Clerk of the team considered relevant Legislative Assembly of Legislatures, the CPA Legislative Assembly for the statutory and subordinate law, the Australian Capital Benchmarks set out a set of Australian Capital Territory, the conventions and practice best practice standards aimed Tom Duncan, and the Director of the Assembly, the standing Territory. He has held at providing tools to better of the Office of the Clerk, David orders and resolutions of the position since 2003 assess levels of parliamentary Skinner, applied a relatively the Assembly, and relevant and was prviously democracy across CPA straightforward assessment statistics associated with the the Deputy Clerk. Branches. method. Recognising that business of the Assembly. He has also worked The Legislative Assembly for compliance with the CPA Where the assessment team at the Department the Australian Capital Territory Benchmarks could exist on considered that the evidence was the first Legislature to continuum, the assessment supported an assessment of of the House of measure itself against the team evaluated the Assembly full compliance with a CPA Representatives at 2006 benchmarks. Through against each CPA Benchmark Benchmark, two points were the Australian Federal that assessment, which was to determine whether the Parliament and also published in 2008 in The Assembly: at the Parliament of Parliamentarian,1 the Assembly • fully complied with the “The assessment New South Wales in was rated as having met 80 of spirit and the letter of the the 87 CPA Benchmarks. benchmark (awarding 2 team considered . He is a former In 2018, the CPA marks); the Assembly’s CPA Australia Regional Recommended Benchmarks • partially complied with the Secretary. for Democratic Legislatures spirit and the letter of the performance were revised and updated benchmark (awarding 1 against the CPA following the work of a study mark); or group of CPA Members • did not comply with the Benchmarks with representing different spirit and the letter of the the underlying Commonwealth regions. The benchmark (awarding no democratic group was organised by the mark). Commonwealth Parliamentary functions of the Association (CPA) Headquarters The assessment team Legislative branch Secretariat with other partners considered the Assembly’s including the Westminster performance against the of government in Foundation for Democracy. CPA Benchmarks with the mind.”

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While there is no barrier to encouraging women to apply for particular positions within a public sector organisation, any measure that is designed to ‘ensure’ that one category of person over another is considered for a position on the basis of an attribute (e.g. sex or gender) unrelated to a person’s merit, cannot, under current legislative arrangements, be adopted. The implementation of measures to ‘ensure’ that women are represented at all levels of administration’ would almost certainly contravene the The Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory Discrimination Act, 1991, which establishes that a person’s sex awarded, where the team general terms which are (compared with the 91.9% score and a person’s gender identity considered that the evidence always open to interpretation, obtained in 2008). are ‘protected attributes’. supported partial compliance, including: regular, periodic, Section 8 of that Act, inter one point was awarded, and fair, proportionate, regularly, Where did the Assembly alia, provides that: where the team considered substantial proportion, fall short and not meet the • A person directly that the evidence was unable adequate, timely, sufficient, benchmark at all? discriminates against to support compliance, no reasonable, etc. This point Of the 132 CPA Benchmarks, someone else if the points were awarded. Where a should be made in a prominent the Assembly did not meet person treats, or proposes particular CPA Benchmark was position. The ACT Legislative three, and partially met 14 to treat, another person not relevant to the Assembly - Assembly has general measures. Detailed below are unfavourably because the for instance, because it related characteristics, including its the explanations of why the other person has 1 or more to a national Legislature or a relatively small size, which may Assembly did not meet the protected attributes. bicameral Legislature - it was affect the applicability of the CPA Benchmark. A link to the • A person indirectly excluded from the assessment. benchmarks. These should also assessment can be found at discriminates against be noted.’ https://www.parliament.act.gov. someone else if the person External review The Office revised a au/Publications/Publications. imposes, or proposes to Following its own assessment, number of its assessments impose, a condition or Emeritus Professor John and comments on the basis of Parliamentary government requirement that has, or Warhurst, AO3 of the Australian Professor Warhurst’s analysis. – 5.1.5: The Legislature shall is likely to have, the effect National University undertook The Office provided the take measures to ensure that of disadvantaging the an external review to validate assessment to all 25 Members women are represented at all other person because the or invalidate the judgements of the Legislative Assembly levels of administration. other person has 1 or more that had been made by the for their consideration and protected attributes. Office and to offer any further comment in August/September The Assembly did not meet comment. 2019. The Members offered no this CPA Benchmark and it is It is also observed that this As a general comment further comments on the ratings. unsure whether it will ever be in benchmark would appear on the Office’s assessments, a position to do so. The Office to conflict with benchmark Professor Warhurst noted: Results made the following comment 5.3.1, which proposes that ‘The initial Office When the CPA Study Group explaining its rating: ‘Recruitment and promotion Assessments are almost [in 2018] re-considered the ‘There are no measures in of non-partisan staff shall invariably sound and my original 87 CPA Benchmarks, place to ‘ensure that women be on the basis of merit comments below are largely it added a further 47 new CPA are represented at all levels and equal opportunity’, and in the form of suggestions to Benchmarks, bringing the total of administration’. As with 5.2.2 which proposes that tighten up or to expand the number of CPA Benchmarks elsewhere in the Australian ‘recruitment procedures… shall comments by the Office rather to 132. The Assembly has public sector, the merit principle not discriminate… recruitment than to dispute the rating. scored 225 marks against a is applied in relation to all of staff on the basis of race, The benchmarks themselves possible score of 246, which, appointments at all levels of ethnicity, religion, gender, include many subjective in percentage terms is 91.5% administration’. disability…’.

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Legislative function general There are no explicit by government agencies in Committees – 3.2.2: There – 6.1.5: The Legislature shall measures - outside of developing policies affecting shall be a presumption that encourage the process of statute - to ‘encourage the Aboriginal and Torres Strait the Legislature will refer equality impact assessment with representative political Islander people living in the legislation to a Committee, respect to the development of participation of marginalised ACT without detracting from, or and any exceptions must be legislation, policies and budgets. groups’ occurring under the diminishing, the responsibilities transparent, narrowly-defined, banner of the Legislature (i.e. by of those agencies to provide and extraordinary in nature. The Assembly has not, by way of the internal institutional services for the broader resolution or by legislation, arrangements of the Assembly). community; and There is no requirement that expressed a formal view on Arguably, any measures that (d) to further the economic, legislation is to be referred to a encouraging the adoption of might be taken to encourage social and cultural development policy committee for inquiry and ‘equality impact assessments’ the representative political of Aboriginal and Torres Strait report. However, the Standing in relation to legislation, policies participation of marginalised Islander people living in the ACT. Committee on Justice and and budgets. groups is a matter that falls Community Safety (Legislative to individual and collective Procedure and sessions – 2.6.1: Scrutiny Role) examines: 1) all Bills; Legislature procedure – political actors in civic and civil Plenary debates and votes in 2) all amendments to any Bills; 6.2.4: The Legislature shall life, including the Executive and the Legislature shall be public. and 3) subordinate legislation. establish procedures for individual members, rather than The Committee must systematic monitoring of the being an inherent function of a With the exception of votes consider various rights issues effective implementation and democratic Legislature. in relation to the election of as well as other matters consequences of legislation. Such arrangements may the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, provided for in the Committee’s also, of course, occur by way of Chief Minister and Leader of resolution of appointment.4 This was another benchmark particular legislative proposals the Opposition (which require See also Standing Order that the Assembly did not (as opposed to the utilisation of a secret ballot - see standing 182A relating to legislative meet. In our comment on the internal policies, practices and orders 2, 3, 5 and 5B), all votes amendments receiving scrutiny benchmark we noted: ‘There procedures of the legislature to of the Assembly are made from the Committee. is no systematic monitoring of produce such measures). publicly known. ‘effective implementation and As an example, the All proceedings of the Committees – 3.2.3: consequences of legislation’. Assembly passed the Aboriginal Assembly are open to the public, Committees shall scrutinize However, through debate, the and Torres Strait Islander Hansard Debates and video legislation referred to them and work of Assembly committees Elected Body Act, 2008, the of proceedings are publicly have the power to recommend and the use of question time, object of which is very much in available via the website. amendments or amend the the Assembly is able to examine line with the encouragement of legislation. these matters in an ad hoc representative participation of Committees – 3.1.5: All fashion. It would be open to a marginalised group and the Committee votes and As stated above, not all Bills the Executive to consider an objects of this Act are: substantive decisions, and are referred to Committees arrangement whereby it reports ‘In recognition of the rights the Committee’s reasons for (with the exception of technical on these matters (through, for of Aboriginal and Torres Strait them, are made public in an scrutiny by the (Legislative instance, annual reports) to the Islander peoples to freely accessible and timely manner. Scrutiny Committee). Assembly. It is also a function determine their political status that could be given to the and to freely pursue their Minutes of all Committee Auditor-General in the context of economic, social and cultural proceedings, including the its performance audit program’. development in line with the results of particular votes are “When the CPA The external advisor noted right to self determination:- maintained. However, not all Study Group [in that the benchmark does (a) to ensure maximum minutes of a Committee may be appear to be beyond the scope opportunity for the voice of made publicly available without 2018] re-considered of a Legislature. Aboriginal and Torres Strait the Committee tabling them in the original 87 Islander people living in the the Assembly. There may be CPA Benchmarks, Benchmarks which the ACT to reach decision-makers occasions where it might be in Assembly partially met in the government and its the interests of the Assembly it added a further agencies; and or the public that deliberations 47 new CPA Candidate eligibility – 1.2.2: (b) to ensure maximum of a Committee are not made Measures to encourage participation of Aboriginal and publicly available. Benchmarks, the representative political Torres Strait Islander people Upon presentation of the bringing the total participation of marginalised living in the ACT in developing report of a Committee, standing groups shall be drawn to and implementing government order 253 requires that minutes number of CPA accomplish precisely defined policies affecting them; and or extracts of the relevant minutes Benchmarks to objectives. (c) to ensure coordination are tabled in the Assembly. 132.”

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 129 CPA BENCHMARKS FOR DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURES

So far as the Assembly is concerned, the budget is examined annually by a Select Committee on estimates and as part of the public inquiry process, members of the public are invited to (and do) make submissions and give evidence. It is not, however, a requirement that all Bills must be examined and reported on by the relevant policy Standing Committee as occurs, for instance, in New Zealand and Queensland Parliaments.

The Parliamentary Chamber at the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory Financial and budget oversight – 7.2.4: In addition Political parties, party groups, the Opposition, Crossbench interference on the part of the to the draft annual budget, cross-party grounds and member, Government Whip and Executive. the Legislature shall receive the opposition – 4.2.2: The Opposition Whip. A separate and assess medium-term Legislature shall provide determination6 is made for the Legislative function – 6.2.5: and annual budget strategies adequate resources and Speaker who also receives Only the Legislature shall be and be informed of the main facilities for party groups additional funding above that empowered to determine and assumptions that underlie the pursuant to a clear and provided to MLAs. approve the budget of the annual budget’s revenue and transparent formula that does Legislature. expenditure projections. not unduly advantage the Parliamentary staff – 5.4.1: The majority party. head of the parliamentary service The doctrine of the financial In addition to the annual shall have a form of protected initiative of the Executive budget (which contains out- The Assembly does not adopt status defined in legislation or in (embodied in s 65 of the Self- year funding strategies / a ‘formula’ to determine the the Constitution to prevent undue Government Act) prevents the budgets) and appropriation, the allocation of resources for party political pressure. Assembly from determining Treasurer also provides a mid- groups within the Assembly. its budget. However, through year budget update. However, resources are The independence of the development of budget Section 20A (2) of the generally provided on the the Office is protected from protocols between the Financial Management Act basis that each individual non- executive interference by Executive and the Assembly7 provides that the Treasurer executive MLA receives more way of s 8 of the Legislative and the operation of ss must present the budget or less the same level of support Assembly (Office of the 20-20AA of the Financial review for a financial year (Ministers are given additional Legislative Assembly) Act, Management Act, the to the Legislative Assembly support in recognition of their which provides that ‘The Clerk Assembly, through the Standing no later than 15 February in Executive functions). The and the office’s staff are not Committee on Administration the financial year. Section Speaker, Opposition Leader and subject to the direction by the and Procedure and the 20B(1) of the Financial Leader of the Crossbench also Executive or any Minister in the Speaker, have a high degree Management Act states that receive additional support in exercise of their functions’. of influence over the amount the “purpose of the budget recognition of their special roles. However, other than of funding that is included in review for a financial year is The Chief Minister makes convention and practice, there the standalone appropriation to give updated information staff salary determinations in are no legislative protections bill for the Office. Under the to allow the assessment of accordance with the Legislative affording a broader protection protocols, the Speaker is given the government’s financial Assembly (Members Staff) from political interference. the opportunity to appear with performance against the Act 1989) (LAMS Act). The This could be remedied by the Clerk before the Budget financial policy objectives and relevant determination5 makes the inclusion of an additional Committee of Cabinet. strategies set out in the financial provision for the staffing provision in the Legislative policy objectives and strategies allocation (an amount to employ Assembly (Office of the Legislative function – 6.3.1: statement for the Territory or engage staff, contractors Legislative Assembly) Act to Opportunities shall be given for budget for the financial year.” or consultants) provided to protect the Office, the Clerk, public input into the legislative Section 30E of the Financial individual MLAs and additional and staff of the Office from and Committee process, Management Act provides that amounts for the Leader of the broader political influence including the budget process. each directorate: Opposition, Deputy Leader of or pressure and not just (1) Within 45 days after 31

130 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA BENCHMARKS FOR DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURES

December in each financial in fact, substantively inquired Accessibility, openness and believes it is required, to more year, each Minister must: into and reported on by the engagement – 10.1.2: The fully comply with the CPA (a) prepare a half-yearly Committee, a score of 1 has Legislature shall be accessible Benchmarks. performance report for each been applied. and open to persons with However, the exercise directorate for which the It must be noted that it disabilities. has also shown that there are Minister is responsible; and is for the Public Accounts some CPA Benchmarks that (b) present the report to the Committee, as with all Assembly The Assembly is accessible the Legislature will, perhaps, Legislative Assembly. Committees, to determine how and open to persons with never be able to meet. These (2) The report must include: it approaches its remit and there disabilities. However, the include the requirement that (a) a progress report on may be valid reasons behind Speaker’s chair and the front representation of female staff delivery of outputs; and whether or not each audit report bench of the Government at all levels of parliamentary (b) an explanation of any is the subject of substantive and the Opposition are not administration, and the significant variations from inquiry and report. For instance, wheelchair accessible. systematic monitoring of the performance criteria. it could be the case that a effectiveness of legislation Committee’s attention is drawn Accessibility, openness and passed by the Assembly. There is no parliamentary to particular areas of audit engagement – 10.1.6: The budget officer responsible for activity and determine to focus Legislature shall identify providing direct advice to the its attention of those areas to demographic groups whose References: Assembly in relation to the the exclusion of others. perspectives are not well 1 Based on a paper ‘Rating the assumptions, reasonableness represented in parliamentary ACT Legislative Assembly against and outlook associated with the Representational function decision-making and make CPA Benchmarks for Democratic government’s budget. – 8.1.1: The Legislature shall efforts to increase their Legislatures—is A minus good be organised in such a way participation. enough?’ by then Speaker Wayne Financial and budget oversight as to enable the substantive Berry MLA and David Skinner for the – 7.2.9: All reports of the representation of women in its On behalf of the Assembly, 39th Presiding Officers and Clerk’s Supreme or National Audit work. the Office uses various Conference in Adelaide, 2008. Office shall stand referred to engagement techniques (some 2 The Office of the Legislative the Public Accounts Committee, The precise intention of ad hoc, others systematic) Assembly is a statutory office or a designated Committee, for this benchmark is somewhat to invite participation from responsible for advising on further report. unclear. The Assembly has not a variety of individuals and parliamentary procedure and adopted a specificorganising groups, particularly through the providing administrative support to The resolution of principle (or practice) that committee system. Members the Legislative Assembly for the ACT. appointment of the Standing is directed towards ‘the themselves also undertake 3 Emeritus Professor John Committee on Public Accounts substantive representation of to encourage participation Warhurst AO, Visiting Fellow, requires that it examine ‘all women in its work’. However, amongst various demographic School of Politics and International reports of the Auditor-General this is not to say that women groups. Relations, Australian National which have been reported to and the interests of women University. the Assembly’. in the ACT have not been Conclusion 4 https://www.parliament.act. In the period between ‘substantively represented’. The ACT Legislative Assembly gov.au/in-committees/standing- November 2016 (when the Through the electoral has again undertaken this committees-current-assembly/ Ninth Assembly commenced) process and the performance benchmarking exercise to standing-committee-on-justice- and April 2019, there have of the Assembly’s democratic identify those CPA Benchmarks and-community-safety-legislative- been 26 reports of the Auditor- functions the interests of where it either does not comply scrutiny-role General. Of these, the Standing women are substantively with at all, or complies with 5 https://legislation.act.gov.au/ Committee on Public Accounts represented by both male and partially. di/2019-29/ is conducting inquiries in female members depending on Every four years the 6 https://legislation.act.gov.au/ relation to four of these reports. the particular issues that come Assembly undertakes a di/2019-30/ 21 reports have been ‘noted’ before the Assembly. comprehensive review of the 7 https://www.parliament. by the Committee. 14 public In 2016, the Assembly was operation of its standing orders act.gov.au/Publications/budget- hearings have been conducted the first Australian Legislature and continuing resolutions protocols during the period. where a majority of women with a view to ensuring that the 8 See: https://www.audit.act. While the Assembly satisfies were elected (currently practices and procedures of gov.au/reports-and-publications/ the technical letter of the 56% of Assembly members the Assembly remain relevant audit-reports#AuditReports2016 benchmark in that all reports are women). Three of the and reflect best practice. and https://www.parliament.act. are referred to the Committee, Assembly’s seven Speakers Undertaking this benchmarking gov.au/in-committees/standing- given it is clearly the spirit have been women and three of exercise will assist in enabling committees-current-assembly/ of the benchmark that the the ACT’s seven Chief Ministers the Assembly to adjust its standing-committee-on-public- preponderance of referrals are, have been women. standing orders, where it accounts

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 131 CPA BENCHMARKS FOR DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURES

STRATEGIC SELF ASSESSMENT AGAINST THE CPA BENCHMARKS FOR DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURES

The National Assembly of Pakistan outlines how its assessment against the CPA Benchmarks were a complimentary step towards meeting the priorities set out in their Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

Today, at a time of increased Legislatures, the National indeed provide a key tool in maintaining peace, upholding scrutiny of Parliaments and of Assembly of Pakistan also assisting the National Assembly the rule of law and human rights, Parliamentarians, the focus underwent the process of self- of Pakistan to demonstrate its advancing gender equality on measuring impact and assessment against the CPA performance, increase self- and youth participation while the need to demonstrate the Benchmarks for Democratic awareness and prioritize areas eventually increasing economic effectiveness of Legislatures Legislatures earlier this year. for development and future prosperity and promoting social is critical. The Commonwealth The CPA Benchmarks are totally improvement. The updated CPA justice which is exactly what the Parliamentary Association (CPA) in line with and complementary Benchmarks also emphasise CPA Benchmarks cover as well. Benchmarks for Democratic towards meeting the priorities the inclusion of measurements The strategic plan presents an Legislatures provide a key tool of Parliament set out in the new for our Legislature to support overarching reforms package in assisting Commonwealth National Assembly Strategic the implementation of the which is aimed at moving away Parliaments to demonstrate Plan 2019-2023, as both Sustainable Development Goals from the traditional piecemeal their performance, increase exercises aim for institutional (SDGs). approach to a more holistic their self-awareness and strengthening and consolidation In this regard, the Parliament approach. prioritise areas for development. of democracy. The process of of Pakistan has always been at The reactivation of The CPA Benchmarks are self-assessment is very effective the forefront as it has, as part of respective caucuses in essential to developing to strengthen the transitioning its strategic reforms, established the National Assembly of and codifying international democracy in Pakistan, as a Parliamentary Taskforce Pakistan on women, youth, norms and standards around the CPA Benchmarks have on SDGs at the national and sustainable development democratic legislatures. provided a minimum standard provincial levels, while the and parliamentary diplomacy The launch of the to be met by all Commonwealth National Parliament has a full- have proved phenomenal Benchmarks for Democratic Parliaments and a description fledged SDGs Secretariat to in taking the agendas of Legislatures in 2006 by the CPA of how a Parliament should act, follow up on the development respective demographic and partners was a ground- behave and function. agenda. and development groups in breaking step to strengthen As we operate in a knowledge The National Assembly of the country. Moreover, the Parliaments through the economy and an increasingly Pakistan strategic planning, Women’s Parliamentary Caucus creation of a set of standards digital environment that offers alongside the self-assessment in Pakistan has been lauded for Parliaments across the ambitious new possibilities, this against the CPA Benchmarks, on regional and international Commonwealth. The updated made it imperative for the CPA has enabled us to identify forums, like the CPA and IPU, as CPA Benchmarks constitute to revise and update its ‘decade- where we have been working one of the best parliamentary an invaluable international old’ parliamentary benchmarks well and potential areas for advocacy models for women’s reference which can help (first launched in 2006) to reflect improvement. In addition, the political and socio-economic develop more effective and the changed landscape in which final report can surely present empowerment. inclusive democracies and democracies now operate. The us with the best practices within The ‘Green’ Parliament, the update was provided in CPA Benchmarks revolve around the other Commonwealth the establishment of the light of the aspirations set out best practices in the elections, Legislatures that we can follow, SDGs Secretariat and in Sustainable Development rules pertaining to eligibility operationalise and implement Legislative Drafting Council, Goal (SDG) 16, which offers a and resignations, effectiveness here. strengthening institutions unique opportunity to revisit of Committees, the dynamics The National Assembly like the Pakistan Institute for the expectations of an effective of political parties and the Strategic Plan 2019-23 Parliamentary Services (PIPS), and democratic Parliament. Opposition, the status of logistics encompasses the true spirit of and programmes like in-house Effective Parliaments are one of and other facilities, parliamentary Parliament which advocates the training and human resources the principal institutions of any staff and the values of the norms of social justice, welfare reforms have been some of the functioning democracy. Legislature including openness and equality. Well organised and successful achievements of the Like many other and ethical governance etc. amply resourced Parliaments are strategic reforms over the last Commonwealth member These CPA Benchmarks essential to a vibrant democracy, few years.

132 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA BENCHMARKS FOR DEMOCRATIC LEGISLATURES

Several important strides have already been made in light of the recently launched framework over the last year. In the wake of reorganization and human resource reforms including a new media directorate – including the social media section – which has been established; over 300 employees whose promotions were long due have been promoted to ensure meritocracy; training and capacity building programmes have been redesigned for Secretariat employees and MPs great honor for Pakistan that Above: The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Hon. Asad for ensuring best performance in addition to Sri Lanka and Qaiser addresses the launch of the National Assembly Strategic Plan standards. the four Provincial Assemblies, (NASP) 2019-2023 in Islamabad on 12 February 2020. Parliamentary innovations the parliamentary delegations have been introduced and from Malaysia, the UK, of the House’. Hence, it is provided the Members of consequently the Special Cameroon and Uganda and imperative to have a robust the National Assembly and Committee on Agriculture has the Legislative Assemblies of Committee system, with well- staff with an opportunity to been constituted to oversee the Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu equipped Parliamentarians review key documents and interests of poor farmers whose and Kashmir also attended the and Secretariat. In order to provisions therein, including the interests were long overlooked conference as special guests. create useful linkages with Constitution of Islamic Republic despite being a predominant The successful holding of academia for informed policy of Pakistan, Rules of Procedures contributor to the country’s this conference has been yet interventions, the National and Conduct of Business in economy. another milestone in Pakistan’s Assembly of Pakistan has the National Assembly, the An important boost has successful pursuits of effective initiated the process of signing Strategic Plan 2019-23 itself, also been steered in the field parliamentary diplomacy. MoUs with focused think-tanks, The Elections Act 2017, the of parliamentary diplomacy by One of the very significant comprising of noted experts Annual Performance Reports introducing the ‘Look Africa’ goals outlined in the from reputable academic of the National Assembly and policy. strategic plan is to effectively institutions, to provide aid and other related laws, estimates The National Assembly of communicate, and positively support to various Parliamentary and expenditure, sample Pakistan successfully hosted engage with the public, as Committees. Committee reports as well as the 5th CPA Asia Regional also suggested in the CPA In order to improve the other materials. Conference last year in July- Benchmarks. To achieve efficacy of the strategic plan, It is hoped that the National August 2019. It was a matter of this, the National Assembly robust implementation and Assembly Strategic Plan 2019- of Pakistan has introduced monitoring and evaluation 23 framework complemented “The CPA voluntary internship and civic mechanisms have also been by the CPA Benchmarks Benchmarks self- engagement programme, put in place. In this regard, assessment report will help the linkages with academia and Logical Framework Analysis National Assembly of Pakistan assessment has an open-door policy for an (LFAs) for individual branches in devising a roadmap to ensure proven quite ordinary citizen to witness the of the Secretariat have been representative, participatory, proceedings of the House and developed through multi- responsive and inclusive instrumental as it particularly the performance pronged dialogue approach decision making at all levels has provided the of their respective MPs. A and budgeted action plans and contribute to strengthening Members of the ‘Common Man Gallery’ has in line with the priorities set democracy and rule of law been set up for this within the out in the strategic plan have while thereby establishing National Assembly National Assembly chamber. been orchestrated. Periodic parliamentary supremacy in and staff with The role of Parliamentary progress review has been Pakistan. Committees in screening the carried out to revise and update an opportunity procedures of the government the actionable measures and With thanks to Salma Joveria, to review key is so vital that they are deliverables. Deputy Director IR, National documents and described as ‘little Legislatures’ The CPA Benchmarks Assembly of Pakistan for providing and ‘the eyes, the ears, the self-assessment has proven this article. provisions.” hand and very often, the brain quite instrumental as it has

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 133 THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE URGENCY OF ACTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY

COVID-19, THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE URGENCY OF ACTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY

The Commonwealth Road Safety Initiative highlights the fact that Commonwealth countries lose more than half a million people a year in road traffic crashes.

COVID-19 has upset many context is perhaps useful. The 60% of the Commonwealth’s plans for 2020, including 200,000 or more lives taken by combined population is under the Commonwealth Heads COVID-19 at the time of writing the age of thirty. We see the of Government (CHOGM) (end of April 2020) is roughly predictions that cities like Lagos summit in Kigali, Rwanda, now equivalent to the death toll and Nairobi could double in postponed. The pandemic has on the world’s roads every 8 size by 2030. These new urban also provided urgent lessons weeks in normal times. populations will be young, for governments, not least the In ‘normal’ times, because mobile and at risk on the road. essential need for international there is an acceptance of the Now is the time to put in place cooperation on health issues; normality of road traffic trauma measures that will protect them. Rt Hon. Lord and the vital interconnections which has blunted the demand The COVID-19 emergency Robertson of between health and a multitude for action and saps any fleeting enables us to see the of other policy areas: economy, political or donor interest. Yet world around us through a Port Ellen, KT, trade, security, migration, it should not be normal that different lens. As the traffic GCMG is Chairman climate, environment and Commonwealth countries lose has receded, we can see just of the FIA Foundation, transport. more than half a million people how much public space is a UK charity working When Commonwealth a year in road traffic crashes. taken up by motor vehicles. globally on road leaders do eventually It should not be acceptable The requirements of physical reassemble in Kigali, they will be that, in ‘normal’ times, up to 40% distancing have given new safety and sustainable faced with a political landscape of ICU admissions in Tanzania emphasis to the needs of mobility. A former transformed. Economic shock are for trauma, of which road pedestrians and cyclists and Secretary-General of has been immense. We do not traffic injury represents the NATO and UK Defence yet know how badly the virus lions share. It should not will have impacted Sub Saharan be a continuing reality that Secretary, he is a Africa and South Asia and must roads are still being built or “The COVID-19 Member of the UK hope that the worst is avoided. ‘upgraded’ across Africa, India, emergency enables House of Lords. He But it is clear that health systems the Caribbean and elsewhere us to see the world was previously a will remain under huge pressure in the Commonwealth that are, for some time, and that the for want of a better description, around us through a Member of the UK need for economic stimulus ‘designed for death’, usually different lens. As the House of Commons for will lead countries to prioritise because of increased vehicle Hamilton in Scotland major infrastructure investment. speed and neglect of local traffic has receded, we from 1978 to 1997. In many African countries and in community needs. can see just how much India, this will continue to mean Commonwealth leaders roads are built and upgraded. need to address this because public space is taken So it is urgent and important it is in many of their countries, up by motor vehicles. that when Commonwealth particularly in Africa, where The requirements of Heads of Government a growing youth population, do gather another health rapid urbanisation and dramatic physical distancing epidemic, road traffic injury, is motorisation could combine have given new also addressed. It is a global to herald a new and deadly scourge which kills and maims chapter of the road carnage. emphasis to the needs on an industrial, warlike, scale. Road traffic injury is already the of pedestrians and We should of course avoid world’s number one cause of cyclists and shown how glib comparisons between death for children and young highly contagious diseases and people between the ages of poor is the hand they man-made killers, but some 5 and 29. Today, more than are too often dealt.”

134 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE URGENCY OF ACTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY

shown how poor is the hand do have available: the speed people, we do it for all. Health Organization, operates they are too often dealt. vaccine. At the 2018 Commonwealth regionally and has recently Progressive leadership, This agenda benefits road summit, Heads of Government also organised meetings in like that of Addis Ababa, in safety, which in turn will help “reiterated their commitment Nigeria and Thailand where reprioritising street space for reduce pressure on hospitals to achieving the health- Parliamentarians supportive of people outside of cars; like Dar and acute care. Reduced traffic related goals of Agenda stronger global and regional es Salaam in improving transit during the emergency has 2030, particularly Goal action, and wishing to share connections for pedestrians; meant dramatic reductions in air 3.” The Communique also experiences of campaigning and Lusaka in reducing traffic pollution, change that we can highlighted the importance of for and introducing road safety speed near schools to 30km/h smell and see. As early research the Commonwealth’s emphasis legislation in their countries, will be ever more vital as suggests poor air quality is a risk on youth. Given this established convened. There is strong physical distancing remains factor for serious vulnerability to mandate, the Commonwealth support within the Global with us for the foreseeable COVID-19, the ‘right to breathe’ must now also explicitly include Network for the Commonwealth future. becomes ever more pressing. improving road safety in its work to become more engaged and Changes made by many The need to tackle climate promoting health, youth, and coordinated on tackling road cities to reduce and restrict car change has slipped from the sustainable development. traffic injury. use in neighbourhood streets headlines but hasn’t gone Legislators can play a During the Stockholm to enable safe movement and away. If anything, the COVID- leading role in advancing this Ministerial Conference, the exercise must be locked in 19 emergency has vividly agenda and encouraging our Commonwealth Road Safety after the lockdown. Reported described what results when governments to act. At the 3rd Initiative (CRSI), coordinated by increases in vehicle speed on our world is out of balance with Global Ministerial Conference the Towards Zero Foundation, empty roads demonstrates nature. This interconnected on Road Safety, held in hosted a luncheon with HRH the need for consistent agenda has a common Stockholm, Sweden in February , a and Safe System compliant denominator: youth, particularly 2020, legislators from several leading and longstanding speed management, ideally in the rapidly growing and Commonwealth countries advocate for global road designing roads in a way that youthful cities of the African met under the auspices of safety, for Commonwealth physically prevents speeding. continent. If we can make our the Global Network for Road Transport Ministers. There, too, As we search for the COVID-19 urban space safe, accessible, Safety Legislators. This forum, there was strong support for vaccine, let’s deploy one we healthy and inclusive for young coordinated by the World explicitly including road safety

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 135 THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE URGENCY OF ACTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY

majority of roads in Africa and Asia where both fast traffic and pedestrians are present have no viable footpath. As I made clear in my speech to the Ministerial Conference, the simple message that we must get across is to ‘slow down’. Reducing speed, with a specific call for default 30km/h speeds in urban areas, is the flagship policy recommendation of the Stockholm Declaration, the outcome document for the Ministerial Conference. Endorsing our manifesto, the African Union’s Youth Envoy, Aya Chebbi, argued that “by tackling the conditions that result in road trauma, we can also fight climate change, reduce poverty, increase accessibility and protect our Above: At the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, the Stockholm Ministerial youth.” With the benefits of a held in Stockholm, Sweden in February 2020, the UK’s Road Conference, the global charity few months’ hindsight, we can Safety Minister, Rt Hon. Baroness Vere of Norbiton, gave her own I chair, the FIA Foundation, also add COVID-19 to her list. endorsement for the CRSI campaign. published a ‘2030 Manifesto We have a compelling health for safe and healthy streets for and mobility agenda which children, youth and climate’, fits the needs of the urban in the Kigali Communique as people as well as adoption which calls for rapid deployment young and the exigencies of a first step to delivering some of a Commonwealth target to of the ‘speed vaccine’ – the current emergency. The coordinated action. In a keynote achieve a 50% reduction in road footpaths, safe crossings, speed Commonwealth is a logical speech, the UK’s Road Safety fatalities and serious injuries by control – to protect young entity to work within to promote Minister, Rt Hon. Baroness 2030 (#50by30). people in cities of the Global this, allied with wider global Vere of Norbiton, gave her own Also participating in South, pointing out that the vast movements. For example, the endorsement for the campaign. The launch of the CRSI, covered in an earlier article for The Parliamentarian by my colleague and former UK Parliamentarian, Jim Fitzpatrick, represents an important development in encouraging the Commonwealth to further commit to road traffic injury prevention. The CRSI has brought together a distinguished group of experts in road safety who have prepared a report of ten recommendations for Commonwealth countries that warrants serious consideration. The report was released in December 2019 and includes a call for Commonwealth countries to have a priority focus on safety for young

136 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE URGENCY OF ACTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC INJURY

Above: Tata Nexon, the first car in India to achieve the Road Safety Fund, which needs our Parliaments and legislative international charity and network of global crash test their finance, their expertise, chambers for practical action programmes, Global NCAP’s five-star crash test rating. and the benefit of their voice in on road safety, emphasising its governance. the economic and cross-cutting FIA Foundation is leading a designing and leading the It is up to all of us, benefits. campaign, together with the agenda, including on road as Commonwealth COVID-19 has shaken Partnership for Maternal & safety. Parliamentarians, to take a lead up the world, and much has Child Health led by former New Taking action on road traffic and urge our governments to changed and will change. Zealand Prime Minister, Rt Hon. injury under the auspices of the make serious commitments As Parliamentarians, we will , urging a new deal Commonwealth makes practical to road safety and our young have a pivotal voice in what for adolescents in the global sense. The Commonwealth people. A first specific ask happens next. We must make health system. has a proven track record is to encourage support for the right policy choices, and As a first step we hope to of encouraging knowledge recognition of road traffic make them now. For our secure a Global Adolescent sharing amongst its members. injury, in the context of the cities, our streets and our Summit, to address the Given the wide disparity of road Commonwealth’s youth agenda, youth; for our overburdened underfunding and neglect safety performance amongst in the next Commonwealth health systems and the health of a wide range of youth Commonwealth countries, Heads of Government summit of our economies and our issues – including the leading there is huge potential to share communique. environment; for our countries killer of young people, road best practice and experience Second, support the and our Commonwealth. traffic. Following the eventual in road traffic injury prevention. efforts now underway at the Kigali Heads of Government And countries like the UK United Nations, backed by For more information about the meeting, a Commonwealth and Australia should also Commonwealth countries Commonwealth Road Safety Youth Ministers Summit, due to be showing solidarity with including Australia, Canada, Initiative (CRSI) please visit www. be hosted by Jamaica in 2021, developing countries in the Kenya, Jamaica and South towardszerofoundation.org. could be an important stepping- Commonwealth, and beyond, Africa, to elevate the adolescent stone to a global meeting in by making serious donor health agenda and secure a For more information about the 2022, with Commonwealth commitments to road safety, Global Adolescent Summit. work of the FIA Foundation please countries and legislators including through the new UN Third, raise our voices in visit www.fiafoundation.org.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 137 TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY IN THE COMMONWEALTH

HALF OF THE WORLD’S VICTIMS OF SLAVERY LIVE IN THE COMMONWEALTH: WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? At the annual Commonwealth Day lecture organised by the Council for Education in the Commonwealth (CEC), the United Kingdom’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner looks at the scale of the issue of modern slavery and the role of the Commonwealth.

Scale of the issue and the role democracy and peace. A key labour, slavery or servitude or of the Commonwealth supporter of the Modern Slavery the removal of organs. Modern slavery and human Act in the UK, Lord McColl of It is right to acknowledge the trafficking are a global challenge Dulwich, once said that “slavery challenge of the terminology affecting every country in the undermines democracy … as of ‘modern slavery’. Many world. According to the Global slaves have no voice.” It is clear academics have disputed that this Slavery Index, there were an that there is no room for modern is neither ‘modern’, nor indeed estimated 40.3 million people slavery in the Commonwealth. ‘slavery’ as it was commonly living in modern slavery on The Commonwealth Human understood before the Act came any given day in 2016. The Rights Initiative (CHRI) argued into force. The exploitation we Dame Sara report also identifies a series of that the Commonwealth has a see across the globe is not Thornton, DBE, interrelated factors which create historical, political and moral new, although awareness and QPM is the UK’s vulnerability and opportunity for responsibility to act and that understanding of it is growing. Independent Anti- slavery – governance issues, given the long standing cultural, Exploitation as rooted in lack of basic needs, conflict, political, historic and economic inequality and the relationships Slavery Commissioner inequality and climate change. ties the Commonwealth between the global south and responsible for Vulnerability is then is uniquely positioned to north is part of the historical encouraging good exploited by those motivated drive swift, co-ordinated and legacy of the devastating trans- practice in the by greed or economic impactful action.1 Atlantic slave trade and the prevention and opportunism. It is estimated that There is an opportunity here long-term repercussions this detection of modern human trafficking is a business for the Commonwealth to lead has had on trading relationships, worth US$150 billion annually. on driving efforts to combat development, industrialisation slavery and the In the UK alone, estimates modern slavery, and this must be and power structures. identification of of modern slavery vary. In 2013, embedded within member states’ Between 1640 and 1807, Great victims. She was the UK estimated commitments to improve the Britain was the largest supplier the first Chair of this to be between 10,000 and lives of millions globally through of slaves in the New World, the National Police 13,000 people who were either legislation, law enforcement and responsible for transporting Chiefs’ Council from modern-day slaves or who the protection of human rights. It over three million Africans to had been trafficked. But the is essential that the UK continues colonies in the Caribbean and the 2015 to 2019. Dame Global Slavery Index would put to engage meaningfully with the Sara joined London’s this nearer to 136,000. In my Commonwealth, a key ally in a “There is an Metropolitan Police Strategic Plan for 2019 to 2021, I time of global uncertainty and our opportunity here for in 1986 and in 2000 have highlighted the challenge changing role on the world stage. the Commonwealth to transferred to Thames of assessing prevalence. I am lead on driving efforts Valley Police on absolutely certain that 13,000 is Historical context and to combat modern an underestimate and I fear this challenges slavery, and this promotion to Assistant is only the tip of the iceberg. In the UK, ‘slavery’ is used as Chief Constable where That’s just the UK. The an umbrella term for activities must be embedded she was Deputy Chief Commonwealth is a diverse involved when one person within member Constable and later body of 54 countries with a obtains or holds another person states’ commitments Chief Constable. She population of 2.4 billion people. in compelled service. Human to improve the lives was awarded the Of the 40.3 million victims trafficking is the movement of of millions globally of modern slavery globally, people, by means such as force, through legislation, law Queen’s Police Medal almost half of those live in the fraud, coercion or deception in 2006, made a CBE Commonwealth. Members of the – which the aim of exploiting enforcement and the in 2011 and a DBE in Commonwealth have a shared them. This could be through protection of human 2019. vision to promote prosperity, sexual exploitation, forced rights.”

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conditions. An assessment in spent a lot of time meeting 2013 found children are forced and listening to victims and to rise before dawn to go out survivors and learning about onto the lake until dark, working their experiences and journeys long hours and missing the towards recovery and freedom. opportunity to go to school. Given my police background One boy encountered by I have also worked with International Justice Mission had investigators and prosecutors to been forced to continue hauling improve the effectiveness of the nets even after breaking his law enforcement response. Americas. Many of these human migrant workers in a cycle of wrist.4 However, protecting victims beings died on the way and slavery and bonded labour year And in the UK many are the and prosecuting traffickers is those who survived the journey after year. Brick kiln workers are victims of sexual exploitation, not enough. We need to do were forced to work in conditions provided with a loan before they labour exploitation, domestic much more to tackle the global so inhumane that death rates due begin work, immediately entering servitude and criminal systems and structures that allow to illness and abuse soared. debt bondage which is then exploitation. The UK and other the devastating crime of modern When the abolitionist William exacerbated by withheld wages ‘better-off’ Commonwealth slavery to thrive. This is not an Wilberforce spoke against the and late payments. The system countries also need to historic issue that ended over a wickedness of slavery in his of payment encourages child acknowledge their responsibility century ago. It is still happening 1789 speech to the House of labour as families are forced to in perpetuating exploitation right across our country and in Commons, he challenged his enlist their children to help make through demands for cheap the world today in 2020, and fellow Parliamentarians with enough bricks for them to get labour in supply chains. it is essential that we work in the famous phrase: “You may paid. With workers not earning Terminology aside, this partnership to stop this from choose to look the other way, enough wages in the season exploitation is clearly a human happening in the first place. but you can never again say before, they end up taking out a rights issue. Modern slavery, Last year, the government you did not know.” loan again the next season and servitude and human trafficking appointed an international The UK played a leading role the cycle begins again. are brutal crimes, with our fellow modern slavery and migration in this shameful period of our In 2013, poor working human beings being treated envoy, Jennifer Townson, to history. I understand why some conditions in fashion supply as a commodity to be traded, bolster the response to slavery feel uncomfortable about our chains hit the headlines with violating their freedom and basic as a global issue. The extent promoting this terminology and the collapse of the Rana Plaza human dignity. It is truly man’s of the work of the UK’s Foreign why history matters. But this factory in Bangladesh. The inhumanity to man and is simply and Commonwealth Office cannot prevent us from taking building housed five garment unacceptable. (FCO) and the Department for action. factories and at least 1,138 International Development people were killed and another Platforms of the IASC and (DFID) is considerable, and this The human dimension of 2,500 were injured.3 The envoy vital role provides increased exploitation today disaster woke up the world to The role of the Independent accountability within the Having said this, what exactly poor labour conditions faced Anti-Slavery Commissioner government and will support is the nature of slavery or by millions of people, mostly (IASC) was created as part of future cooperation with partners exploitation today? There is no girls and women, who are paid the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, such as the Commonwealth. one type of exploitation and some of the lowest wages in which came into force in 2015. no definitive experience of the world. A race to the bottom Parliamentarians from all parties Role of the UK Commissioner slavery or servitude. Around the driven by fast fashion and and both Houses in the UK As the UK Commissioner, I world, countries have adopted consumerism has perpetuated Parliament pushed for the original have a statutory duty to publish various terminologies in their this system. Since the Rana Plaza Bill to be become law, underlining a strategic plan outlining my own legislation (where this has disaster over 100 accidents the growing awareness of this priorities, and annual reports been passed) and it is important have occurred in Bangladesh, as a significant issue requiring which set out how far I have met to recognise this reflects a including at least 35 textile specific legislation. objectives attached to these multitude of experiences. factory incidents in which 491 My role is to identify good priorities. I launched my first In India, the recruitment and workers were injured and 27 lost practice in investigating and strategic plan for the period 2019 payment structures of workers their lives. prosecuting offences of modern to 2021 on anti-slavery day – 18 at brick kilns underpins a cycle On Ghana’s Lake Volta, slavery and human trafficking, October 2019. As required by of exploitation and servitude. thousands of children work in and to ensure that we identify the Modern Slavery Act, this was A report by Anti-Slavery the fishing industry. According to good practice in looking after first laid in the UK Parliament by International2 surveying workers the International Justice Mission, victims and identifying them. the Secretary of State (in this at brick kilns across Punjab, India, children as young as three are Since I took up the role of case, the ). found that the recruitment and enslaved in this industry, forced Independent Anti-Slavery The United Nations Protocol payment systems trap seasonal into the most dangerous labour Commissioner last May, I have to Prevent, Suppress and

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engagement with how trafficking and modern Prosecution Service (CPS) at an slavery can take place in their early stage of the investigation supply chains, even in the UK. for advice and guidance. The public sector is not The Modern Slavery Act in included in the Modern Slavery the UK established a statutory Act’s reporting requirements defence to protect victims on supply chains. However, who have committed criminal the UK Government committed offences as a direct result of to publishing a voluntary their exploitation. This is a very modern slavery statement in important protection for victims 2019 setting out the steps it is of modern slavery and relies taking to identify and prevent on the international principle of modern slavery in central non-punishment. However, there government supply chains. The Punish Trafficking in Persons told me about their lives being are cases where victims have UK Government also announced especially Women and put on hold and living in limbo. not used this defence and been that from 2020/21 individual Children5, 2000, also called the This compounds the trauma imprisoned; and there are cases ministerial departments will be Palermo Protocol, sets out a that these vulnerable people where criminals have attempted responsible for publishing their ‘3P’ paradigm which serves as are already facing – with severe to abuse this defence. I recently own statements. a framework for global efforts to effects on mental and physical ran a call for evidence to better The UK has combat trafficking. These ‘3Ps’ health, and their self-esteem. I understand what is happening designed a number of tools are prosecution, protection and am calling for swifter decision- on the ground in respect of this and guidance documents for prevention. I have built on these making; but also routes for defence and this will inform public sector buyers and there for my own strategy and added those in the system to become future work from my office. is also good work being led by another dimension on the need more sustainably independent Rescuing victims and local authorities on this. I will be to improve the evidence base including having the right to work prosecuting traffickers need to scrutinising the policy response on modern slavery. if they feel able to. Equipping be matched by a determined and the implementation of any My strategy therefore victims and survivors to become focus on preventing slavery and new arrangements in this area. comprises four priority areas: more resilient will greatly trafficking. The Modern Slavery Raising public awareness of • Improving victim care and reduce the risk that they will be Act’s Section 54 requires eligible modern slavery is still needed support re-trafficked and end up back in companies with a turnover of to improve understanding of • Supporting law enforcement exploitation in the long term. more than £36m to report on the this complex crime which is and prosecutions I am also deeply concerned action they are taking to tackle hidden in plain sight. There • Focusing on prevention that the system is not working to modern slavery in their supply are opportunities to leverage • Getting value from support child victims of trafficking. chains, however recent reports consumer concern and public research and innovation When children are entered into have suggested that compliance pressure about the wider social In the UK, we are seeing ever the NRM, it essentially indicates a remains a significant issue. costs of business. I would urge increasing rates of referral for failure to protect. The numbers of I want to encourage an us all to become more conscious both adult and child victims of children being referred in to the approach that goes beyond as consumers – sustainability modern slavery into the National NRM is soaring – with significant compliance and beyond audit – is about people as well as the Referral Mechanism. This is numbers of British children a statement is necessary but not planet. We are all much closer creating huge pressure on the caught up in devastating sufficient. One lengthy labour to modern slavery and human system, especially for those lines exploitation – and I am exploitation case in the West trafficking than we think. If a support providers protecting calling for greater local decision- Midlands region of , product or service is a ‘steal’, we victims in their long and often making and support including saw an organised criminal gang should be asking ourselves: who circular routes to recovery. The the full rollout of promised infiltrate a recruitment agency, is paying the real cost? Home Office, which runs the Independent Child Trafficking leading to the exploitation of Finally, I believe that policy NRM, has promised to reform Guardians. hundreds of vulnerable men and and practice must be informed this system and I am monitoring On the law enforcement women working long hours in by data and evidence. There the impact of these reforms side, there has been a marked fields and factories supplying all is considerable research on to ensure they result in the increase in the recording of the major supermarkets. I have modern slavery taking place improvements desperately need slavery offences by police written to the CEOs of these across higher education, NGOs, by victims and survivors. across the UK. However, businesses and met with many charities and other parts of I have met too many victims prosecution rates have not kept of them. My office will publish civil society. It is not clear what living in safe houses who have pace with this uplift in operational a report on the private sector the impact of this research is been waiting two or three activity. Modern slavery is a response to this case and why on policy and practice. I am years for a decision about their complex crime which requires this is illustrative of the need for working in partnership with trafficking status. People have expert investigation and police businesses to better understand academics and researchers

140 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY IN THE COMMONWEALTH

to promote learning and practice in tackling modern four-year multilateral project men, women and children held innovation, to improve the slavery across Commonwealth funded by the UK Government in unacceptable servitude or evidence base on modern including the UK’s development to provide practical advice and slavery across the world. slavery, and to better connect of the Modern Slavery Act.10 support to Commonwealth And to finish with the words the knowledge creators with Organisations such as Legislatures in the pursuit of of William Wilberforce, “You policy makers and practitioners. the Commonwealth 8.7 tackling modern slavery, human may choose to look the other Network work across civil trafficking and forced labour. The way, but you can never again International fora and global society organisations to share project has been instrumental in say you did not know.” platforms best practice and provides a sharing good legislative practice At the 2017 UN General mechanism for members to and has effected real change This article is based on the address Assembly, the then UK Prime prepare effective anti-slavery with parliamentarians across the given by Dame Sara Thornton at Minister, Rt Hon. Theresa May, strategies ahead of the next Commonwealth developing and the annual Commonwealth Day MP launched a ‘Call to action Commonwealth Heads of strengthening modern slavery- lecture organised by the Council for Education in the Commonwealth to end forced labour, modern Government Meeting in Rwanda related legislation. (CEC) on 9 March 2020. slavery and trafficking’. This [now postponed]. We need to Their work has included was a commitment to ending build on these initiatives and supporting the development To find out further information forced labour, modern slavery, encourage more Commonwealth of legislation in Australia, about the work of the UK human trafficking and the members to endorse the Call to with workshops in the UK Independent Anti-Slavery worst forms of child labour Action and take tangible action to and Australia feeding in to Commissioner please visit www. in the world by 2030 – the meet SDG 8.7. the drafting of an Australian antislaverycommissioner.co.uk. ambition set out in Sustainable Modern Slavery Act, which was Development Goal 8.7. UK work internationally introduced in 2018 and built on References: The 2018 Commonwealth The UK has funded multiple lessons learned from the passing 1 Report link: https://www. Heads of Government Meeting projects to end modern of the UK Act – including specific humanrightsinitiative.org/download/ (CHOGM) focused on the slavery globally through its legislation on trafficking in supply The%20Commonwealth%20 theme ‘Towards a Common aid programmes, including an chains, echoing the world- Road%20Map%20SDG%208%20 6%20Dec%202018.pdf Future’. A firm commitment was extra £5.5million for projects leading provision in the UK Act. 2 https://www.antislavery.org/ made to achieve SDG 8.7. The across the Commonwealth Meanwhile, legislative drafting report-slavery-india-brick-kilns/ then UK Prime Minister urged announced ahead of CHOGM seminars with Parliamentarians 3 https://www.ilo.org/global/ Commonwealth nations to sign 2018. The package of measures across the Commonwealth topics/geip/WCMS_614394/lang-- up to the Call to Action, to fulfil included funds to boost police have informed and influenced en/index.htm the Commonwealth’s potential and prosecutors’ resources forthcoming legislation in 4 https://www.ijm.org/ghana and shape a safer, prosperous and to support new legislation Uganda and Nigeria among 5 https://www.ohchr.org/ and more sustainable world for to increase convictions for other countries. It is crucial en/professionalinterest/pages/ us all.6 Commonwealth leaders trafficking.11 that we maintain momentum protocoltraffickinginpersons.aspx 6 were encouraged to endorse Funding from the Department and continue to support https://www.gov.uk/ the Call7 and this ambition was for International Development Commonwealth Parliamentarians government/speeches/pm-speaks- at-the-commonwealth-joint-forum- included in the post-summit (DIFD), the Home Office and the in this vein with continued funding plenary-17-april-2018 Communiqué.8 However, only 11 Foreign and Commonwealth for such vital initiatives. 7 https://researchbriefings. countries in the Commonwealth Office (FCO) are targeting local The UK’s role on the world parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/ to date have signed up to this causes of modern slavery stage is changing. The time is Summary/LLN-2018-0052 crucial commitment and this is across the world and in the now to lean in to established and 8 https://www.chogm2018.org. truly a missed opportunity. Commonwealth, such as in successful multilateral platforms uk/sites/default/files/CHOGM%20 Ahead of the CHOGM 2018 Nigeria – where an extensive like the Commonwealth, where 2018%20Communique.pdf summit, the Commonwealth capacity-building programme our strength is in our shared 9 https://thecommonwealth. Secretariat had likewise with the Nigeria anti-trafficking values, norms and history and org/media/news/combined-action- spoken out against modern agency has supported an our hope for a better future needed-tackle-modern-slavery- slavery, with Commonwealth improved response to protect where inclusivity, peace and says-secretary-general 10 https://www.theguardian. Secretary-General, Rt Hon. victims of slavery. Another prosperity shape our societies. com/global-development/2017/ Patricia Scotland, QC, noting that programme supports the With opportunities to share oct/11/queen-calls-for-modern- “combined action is needed … integration of returning victims experiences of developing slavery-act-to-be-replicated-in- to tackle the issue of modern of modern slavery, ensuring that modern slavery-based legislation commonwealth-nations slavery and promote equality of communities build resilience and the UK’s work to support 11 https://www.independent. opportunity.”9 and understanding of the brutal countries around the world co.uk/news/uk/politics/modern- UK newspaper, The reality of modern slavery. to tackle this global issue, the slavery-commonwealth-uk- Guardian, even reported that The Commonwealth Commonwealth is well-placed funding-stop-human-trafficking- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Parliamentary Association UK to take leadership on this issue, forced-labour-penny-mordaunt- supported the sharing of best Branch has been running a to change the lives of millions of amber-a8310076.html

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 141 TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY IN THE COMMONWEALTH

RIDDING OUR WORLD OF MODERN SLAVERY BY 2030

When most people think of the international community. Since I became an MP, my the word ‘slavery’, images Both in my own UK work with the Commonwealth of people shackled, abused, Parliamentary constituency Parliamentary Association UK and imprisoned all-too-often of Nottingham North, and (CPA UK Branch) has enabled come to mind. It’s thought of across the UK more widely, me to help to keep this crucial as a despicable practice from the majority of people are issue on our national political a by-gone time, confined to a unable to properly explain what agenda. shameful period in Western modern slavery is, or identify In 2018, I was privileged civilisation. Yet globally, there the many issues associated to travel to Malawi with the are more people enslaved with it. The national numbers CPA UK Branch to meet with Alex Norris, MP today than at any time in our are stark: one in five people Parliamentarians and Malawian is the Labour (Co-op) history. Researchers believe in the UK don’t know what it law enforcement agencies Member of Parliament that around 13 million people is, while two thirds don’t know to share our experiences of were captured and traded how to spot the tell-tale signs of modern slavery and to discuss for Nottingham North, between the fifteenth and this exploitation. Perhaps most the best ways through which and has been an MP nineteenth centuries. terrifyingly, one in ten people we can stop it from happening continuously since 8 Staggeringly, as of last year, believe they may have come in the future. This wasn’t about June 2017. He currently experts estimate that more across a victim of this heinous mandating a ‘one size fits undertakes the role than three times this amount crime, yet half of these wouldn’t all’ approach to combatting of Shadow Minister are currently living as modern know what action to take if they modern slavery; it was geared day slaves around the world. did. towards using expertise from (Health and Social Of this number, over two We all have a role to play both our countries to find Care). thirds are women and around in ridding our communities, a quarter are thought to be our countries and the world at children. Now standing at over large of this scourge. We need 40 million people, the numbers to educate, inform, and enable “We all have a role are staggering and hard to people to take a firm stand to play in ridding fathom. To put this overall against modern slavery. And we figure in context, a larger need people and countries to our communities, number of people than the commit to taking a lead on this. our countries and entire population of Canada This is an issue I’ve been the world at large are currently ensnared in we committed to leading on in the now term ‘modern slavery’. UK for several years now. Prior of this scourge. We These people are forced to being elected as a Member need to educate, to work against their will, of Parliament in 2017, my work have their liberty stolen, and in the Trade Union movement inform, and are treated as a commodity and with the Co-operative Party enable people to by their exploiters. While led me to campaign to end this the world may have moved practice – and to encourage take a firm stand away from the transatlantic others to do likewise. What has against modern slave ships of centuries gone become increasingly clear to slavery. And we by, the demoralising and me over many years is that it dehumanising practices we demands a truly coordinated need people and see – or don’t see – inflicted response, at a local, national, countries to commit upon over 40 million of our and global level. The need for fellow human beings is a a decisive, joined-up approach to taking a lead on perennial mark of shame on has never been more clear. this.”

142 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 & ForcedLabour.Thisis Slavery, HumanTrafficking Legislating againstModern CPA UK’snewe-Handbook: have feddirectlyintothe such astheoneIjoined it outcompletely.Delegations redouble oureffortstostamp with modernslavery–and damaging trendswe’reseeing to helpeachothercurbthe like thisthatwecanbegin respects borders. would seem,neitherknowsnor comparable. Exploitation,it human traffickingwerehighly relating tomodernslaveryand of living,manytheissues different culturesandways although manycountrieshave Malawi underscoredtomethat a wayforward.Mytimein see localprojectscombattingmodernslaveryinLilongwe. CPA UKModernSlaveryProjectvisittotheParliamentofMalawi Above andbelow:UKParliamentarian,AlexNorris,MP,joineda It’s throughimportantwork modern slavery,human emerging trendsinaddressing into accounttheverylatest This latestvolumetakes stay ahead–ofthecurve. legislation togetahead–and our domesticandinternational makes itallthemorevitalfor are constantlyevolvingwhich Modern slavery-relatedcrimes across theCommonwealth. resource forParliamentarians has becomeahugelyvaluable edition in2018,whichIknow be published,followingthefirst of theCPAUK’shandbookto modern slavery-relatedcrimes. legislating effectivelyagainst a comprehensiveguideon Parliamentary officialswith provides Parliamentariansand a newbrillianttoolwhich This isthesecondvolume The Parliamentarian | at anationallevel.Inparticular, offences canbestrengthened how accountabilityforthese our communities,andalso level toridthesecrimesfrom what wecanalldoatalocal e-Handbook, Iexplainboth second volume.Withinthe field tocontributethiscrucial experiences andworkinthis have beenabletousemy crimes. combatting theseheinous and theroleofmediain and ataconstituency-level, raising awarenessinParliament hearings, theimportanceof committees andevidence practice forParliamentary covers themessuchasbest will read,thissecondvolume the Commonwealth.Asyou read foreverynationacross for it–thisresourceisamust- field.” practical guidethatexistsinits comprehensive, insightful,and Forms ofSlaveryas“themost Rapporteur onContemporary described bytheUN’sSpecial volume ofthee-Handbookwas around theworld.Thelast victims thesecrimeshave the devastatingnumberof so thatwecanstarttoreduce laws andcreatenewlegislation help strengthentheirexisting the Commonwealthusethisto that Parliamentariansacross trafficking, andforcedlabour. I’m reallypleasedto So don’tjusttakemyword I wouldhighlyrecommend 2020: Issue Two|100years ofpublishing1920-2020 |143 TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY TACKLING MODERNSLAVERY IN THECOMMONWEALTH engaging with the private sector engaging withtheprivatesector initiatives andorganisations organisations, mapsthe an extensivesetofglobal created incollaborationwith Organisations, whichwas of Anti-HumanTrafficking Interactive MapforBusiness victims ofthesecrimes.The start toreducethenumberof initiatives abouthowwecan Parliamentarians share which canhelpCommonwealth wealth ofinformationoutthere state can,andwill,putastoptoit. a modernsocietyandthatthe is completelyunacceptablein slavery andhumantrafficking them onnoticethatmodern fellow humanbeings.Itputs who continuetoexploitour send astrongmessagetothose through whichcountriescan this canbeusedasabasis challenges. Butlegislationlike community willhaveitsunique individual countryandlocal punish perpetrators. greater powerstocatchand law enforcementauthorities about theseissues,andgives to bemuchmoretransparent into law,obligatesbusinesses key protectionsforindividuals well worthcelebrating.Itputs (2015) isapieceoflegislation the UK’sModernSlaveryAct first published, this has proven first published,thishasproven modern slavery.Sinceitwas forced labour,childand to combathumantrafficking, Alongside this, there is a Alongside this,thereisa Of course,asI’vesaid,every

Image credits: CPA UK Branch TACKLING MODERN SLAVERY IN THE COMMONWEALTH

itself to be an invaluable tool which you think others may but by continuing to work we must all act. We must in terms of our international find useful https://www.( collaboratively through prevent these crimes from response to these crimes. modernslaverymap.org/). brilliant organisations like the being hidden by a deadly Organisations from around Modern slavery is one of Commonwealth Parliamentary combination of fear, shame, the world are able to share those pernicious issues which Association (CPA), we can – and circumstance. Despite the their initiatives and practices no single nation has a silver and we will – finally turn the scale of the challenge, I remain on the map which can then bullet solution to. Ridding our tide on this disease which confident that by working be used by legislators from world of this scourge is going shames us all. together, we can stamp it out other nations to help them curb to require every country to Modern slavery is a disease in totality by 2030. In just ten similar issues in their home take action to strengthen our – pure and simple. It is far more years’ time, let’s all make sure country. I would encourage all collective resolve to changing widespread than most people we can look back and say that Parliamentarians to regularly the status-quo. The scale would ever countenance and we played our part in bringing take a look at this map and of the challenge ahead of its appalling ability to blight about a better, more just world to submit any initiatives us is far from insignificant lives across our world means for everyone.

CPA UK Branch launches updated e-Handbook for Commonwealth Parliamentarians to raise awareness of modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour

The CPA UK Branch has launched the second volume of the Commonwealth on tackling human trafficking and, importantly, e-Handbook on Legislating against Modern Slavery, Human what legislators can do to have a real and meaningful impact Trafficking and Forced Labour, which is a comprehensive in their own countries. I’d encourage anyone with an interest resource for Parliamentarians and parliamentary officials on in tackling this global problem to read the e-Handbook and legislating effectively against modern slavery-related crimes. consider what they might do to help.” The first volume, published in 2018, looked in detail at the process of reviewing and strengthening legislation from gaining To access the CPA UK’s new e-Handbook: Legislating against Modern cross-party support to drafting a Bill itself. Urmila Bhoola, UN Slavery, Human Trafficking & Forced Labour please visitwww.uk-cpa. Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery (2014- org/modernslavery. 2020), described it as “the most comprehensive, insightful and practical guide that exists in its field.” Recognising that modern slavery-related crimes are ever evolving - and with growing global awareness - CPA UK has produced a second volume of the e-Handbook titled Legislating against Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Forced Labour: The Role of Parliament to Scrutinise and Raise Awareness, which takes into account emerging trends in addressing modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour. The resource covers themes such as good practice for Parliamentary Committees and evidence hearings; the importance of raising awareness in Parliament and constituencies; and the role of the media in combatting these heinous crimes. The e-Handbook contains contributions from over 40 Parliamentarians, experts and organisations from across the Commonwealth and includes a foreword from former UK Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Theresa May MP. It has been produced under the banner of CPA UK’s Modern Slavery Project: a four-year multilateral project funded by the UK Government as part of its Commonwealth fund. The project aims to encourage and facilitate a greater understanding of the national and international benefits of introducing and strengthening modern slavery-related legislation and exchange learning. UK Parliamentarian, Darren Jones MP, who is one of the e-Handbook’s contributors, stated: “Once again, the CPA UK team have pulled together a comprehensive resource with ground-breaking multi-lateral work from across the

144 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN SMALL STATES

PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN SMALL STATES

The CPA is working with McGill University, Canada in a global partnership to strengthen Parliamentary Oversight in Small States

In most countries, Parliament is Hungary is a case in point, expenditures. Here, we focus part of the governance system where President Viktor Orban on the latter. of checks and balances that has received indefinite powers helps ensure that Executive to rule by decree. Parliamentary Oversight of governments do not abuse Other than enacting Public Spending their powers. To prevent any legislation, developed by itself There is considerable variation one branch of government or introduced by the Executive, in the tools that Parliaments from becoming all-powerful, Parliaments represent the can employ to perform to protect the minority from people – women and men, their oversight function, the majority, and to induce poor and rich, ethnic and which generally reflects the Rick Stapenhurst the different institutions to religious majorities and differences in constitutional is a Professor at McGill cooperate, most countries minorities. Such citizens vote arrangements and the type University’s School of adopt a constitutional system for Members of Parliament to of government (that is, Continuing Studies. of checks and balances. represent their interests and presidential or parliamentary). Such an arrangement allows to give them a voice at the He is a consultant/ one arm of government to limit highest level of the state. advisor to the World the actions of the others: each “Without Parliament, Bank, and he has has distinct powers to hold the Parliamentary Oversight there is the risk of written extensively other branches responsible, Parliamentary oversight on issues related as apportioned by the has been linked to the arbitrary Executive to anti-corruption constitution. Amid the current achievement of various government. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global policy objectives, including and parliamentary pandemic, where citizens democracy, good governance/ Policies and laws strengthening. look to their governments to anti-corruption, economic and could be developed make swift and appropriate human development, gender actions to protect their lives equality and the business to favour the rich, and livelihoods, the need for environment. It is beyond the the powerful, robust Parliaments is greater scope of this article to discuss and the well- than ever. the causal dynamics in these Without Parliament, there is relationships, but suffice to connected citizens. the risk of arbitrary Executive say parliamentary oversight Governments would government. Policies and laws enables the Executive arm could be developed to favour of government to improve work to ensure the rich, the powerful, and its performance, as people their longevity, the well-connected citizens. reap the rewards of a more by catering to Governments would work accountable and responsive to ensure their longevity, by government and more effective the majority, to catering to the majority, to policies. those citizens those citizens that can ensure While all areas of its continuance in power, and government activity can that can ensure ignoring the other citizens – be overseen, some policy its continuance in the poor and the marginalized. areas are more likely to We saw a worrying trend be scrutinized than others. power, and ignoring over increasing Executive Parliamentarians, in exercising the other citizens dominance even before the their oversight function, – the poor and the COVID-19 outbreak – and tend to focus on defence, now, the risks are even higher. foreign affairs, and public marginalized.”

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Such oversight includes constituted in Norway in 1814 Parliamentary Committees, and Denmark, in 1849, the PARLIAMENT parliamentary questions, archetype PAC is associated interpellations, debates, the with the United Kingdom Public estimates process, scrutiny Accounts Committee, which of delegated legislation, the UK House of Commons Accountability Private Members’ motions, established in 1861. Reports & reporting and adjournment debates, The exact nature of the along with extra-parliamentary (often symbiotic) relationship tools such as supreme audit between Parliaments and the institutions and ombuds auditor varies considerably. In offices. Together, these tools most Commonwealth countries, allow legislators to raise the Auditor-General is a core issues relating to the use element of parliamentary of governmental power, to oversight, and he or she may call upon the government to report directly to Parliament explain actions it proposes and the PAC. In some countries, Mandate Conferred to take or has taken and such as Australia and Canada, responsibility to require the government the Auditor-General is an officer to justify its policies or of Parliament, which guarantees Figure 1: Fiduciary Obligation administrative decisions. his or her independence from 1: Fiduciary Obligation). In countries with the Executive. In contrast, in Despite common origin seek to improve development parliamentary forms of some other countries, he or in the British PAC, there is and reduce corruption by government, the principal she is independent of both the considerable variation in enhancing oversight in tool for conducting oversight Executive and the Legislature, PACs’ terms of reference small states, typically rely on of public spending is a as is the case in India. PACs and modus operandi around practices and procedures specialized audit committee, are generally seen as the the world. Recent research developed in larger countries, often known as the Public apex for financial scrutiny and shows three key factors which have generally been Accounts Committee (PAC). have been promoted as a affecting PAC performance: proven to be non-transferable Whereas the first PACs were crucial mechanism to facilitate opportunity (as influenced and ineffective when applied transparency in government by mandate and terms of to small states. The outcomes Box 1: Examples of Recent Applied Research on Oversight financial operations (see Figure reference), capacity (the skills have been disappointing, at of Committee Members and best, with many small states • Riccardo Pelizzo and Frederick Stapenhurst: ‘Parliamentary the resources, especially staff performing poorly in such Oversight Tools: A Comparative Analysis’ (2012) members, available to them), global indices as Transparency and motivation (initially thought International’s Corruption • Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and World Bank to include the presence of Perceptions Index and the Institute: ‘Following the Money: Comparing Parliamentary Public Opposition Members on the Open Budget Index. Accounts Committees’ (2014) Committee and whether the Chair was from the opposition Global Project to Strengthen • Inter-Parliamentary Union: ’Global Parliamentary report: or governing party, but Parliamentary Oversight in Parliamentary Oversight’ (2017) https://www.ipu.org/resources/ more recently extended to Small States publications/reports/2017-10/global-parliamentary-report-2017- include the political will of The Commonwealth parliamentary-oversight-parliaments-power-hold-government- Parliamentarians. Parliamentary Association account Over the past decade, (CPA) recently joined forces considerable research with McGill University, • Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation: ‘Beyond (and resulting programs Canada and several other Westminster: A Global Perspective on Public Governance and and projects to strengthen Commonwealth and global Accounts’ (2019) https://www.caaf-fcar.ca/images/pdfs/oversight/ parliamentary oversight) have organisations1 to spearhead ExternalPublications/BeyondWestminster.pdf focused principally on larger a research project – funded countries in Africa, Asia, Latin by Canada’s Social Sciences • Laval University: ‘Le Controle Parlementaire des Finances America, and elsewhere and Humanities Research Publiques dans la Francophonie’ (2020) (see Box 1), with little or no Council with matching funds research being undertaken from the partners themselves • Rick Stapenhurst, Rasheed Draman, Brooke Larson and Anthony on parliamentary oversight - which is examining the Staddon (eds): ‘Anti-Corruption Evidence: The Role of Parliaments in small states. The result of interaction between oversight in Curbing Corruption’ (2020) this void is that parliamentary and corruption in small states, strengthening programs that emphasising what works and

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what does not, and applying (e.g., Andorra, Comoros), the the results in the development Nordic region (e.g., Greenland, of region- and country-specific Iceland) and elsewhere. case studies of ‘good practice.’ Concurrently, analysis of In so doing, project partners completed questionnaires will help fill a significant void in will be undertaken to identify global knowledge regarding good practices that could be PROFESSIONAL ACADEMIC parliamentary oversight and, transferable to other small states. DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH in particular, contribute to The second phase will be PROGRAMMES enhanced parliamentary undertaken at the request development and better of, and in collaboration with, governance. Parliaments which would like This project, led by a more in-depth analysis of RESEARCH PRACTICAL Professor Rick Stapenhurst oversight and how it can be OUTCOMES FOCUS from McGill University’s School improved. We envisage one or of Continuing Studies, builds two countries in each region upon and extends previous where in-depth case studies projects which looked at Public might be developed. Accounts Committees around The final phase is the the world, parliamentary distillation of the knowledge oversight in Francophone generated and the insights countries and, most recently, a gained into useful and practical UK Department for International formats that Parliaments Figure 2: Virtuous Cycle Linking Research and Professional Development (DFID)-British in small states, and those a four-course Professional Programmes Academy project examining organisations working with Development Programme questions to be examined. the role of Parliaments in them. This will include the for newly elected MPs from Research results, in turn, are curbing corruption. development of Policy Briefs CPA’s Small Branches. At the directly integrated into the Comprising three phases, for parliamentary leaders, time of writing, approximately subsequent iterations of the the project was announced at Handbooks and Guidebooks 70 MPs had completed this professional development the 37th CPA Small Branches for MPs and parliamentary staff, programme.2 programmes (see Figure 2). Conference in Kampala, Uganda teaching materials including One of the unique An example of the practical in September 2019. Since then, case studies, pre-recorded features of this Programme outputs we anticipate are questionnaires have been lectures, and teaching notes, is the feedback from McGill shown in Box 3, which presents mailed out to the Chairs or which will be made available University’s parliamentary some preliminary findings from Clerks of all CPA Small Branch through the virtual Global research programmes to the some research undertaken PACs. The response has been Network of Parliamentary training programmes and in Trinidad & Tobago and substantial, with 26 of the CPA’s Training Institutes (http:// from the training programmes Grenada, as part of the 43 Small Branches responding webiset.ca/PSP/). back into the research Department for International by the end of March 2020 programme, forming a Development-British Academy (see Box 2). Over the coming CPA and McGill’s Professional virtuous cycle. Through the research noted above. months, the research team Development Programme for courses and interaction with It highlights the need for will follow up with other CPA Newly Elected MPs from CPA Parliamentarians and staff, Commonwealth small states to Small Branches, along with Small Branches researchers learn of the critical relax the ‘Westminster’ form of small jurisdictions outside of For the past three years, the issues affecting oversight in parliamentary oversight. the Commonwealth, including CPA and McGill University small states. These issues help Box 2: CPA Small Branch those in La Francophonie have been partnering to offer the definition of the research Respondents, as of 31 March 2020

CPA Africa CPA Australia CPA CPA Canada CPA Caribbean, CPA Pacific CPA South Region Region and Mediterranean Region Americas and the Region East Asia Region Atlantic Region Region

Seychelles Australian Capital Falkland Islands Northwest Anguilla Cook Islands Perlis Territory Territories Antigua & Barbuda Nauru Northern Territory Isle of Man Nunavut Cayman Islands Samoa Jersey Prince Edward Dominica Solomon Islands Malta Island Grenada Vanuatu St Helena Yukon Turks & Caicos

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Conclusion McGill University and the CPA, Further information in the small Ottawa, Canada; the Westminster Oversight is a critical will fill this void. states research project, and on Foundation for Democracy; and the component of parliamentary Even though the small McGill University’s Professional African Centre for Parliamentary governance, and over the states project has only just Development Programmes, is Affairs, Ghana. past decade or so, has been started, it is already having an available at https://www.mcgill.ca/ 2 The CPA also supports widely studied, at least in larger impact – the Auditor-General scs-parliament/. Rick Stapenhurst McGill University’s Professional Commonwealth and other in the Canadian province of can be contacted at: frederick. Development Programme for countries. This has left a serious New Brunswick is conducting [email protected]. Parliamentary Staff. Comprising void – What comparators do a review of the PAC there, and six courses, and now in its 9th year. Parliaments in smaller states we are fast-tracking some of References: More than 200 staff from Parliaments have when wanting to improve our analyses so that preliminary 1 Including Laval University, across the Commonwealth and oversight in general and their findings can feed into the Quebec; the Inter-Parliamentary beyond have taken this programme; PACs, in particular? Current recommendations to improve Union; the Canadian Audit and many participants have come from research, spearheaded by PAC performance there. Accountability Foundation, small states.

Box 3: The Westminster Model and Small States Research shows that the issues and weaknesses in parliamentary oversight are fundamentally different in small countries and that one cannot generalize across small countries. Most international organisations and donor agencies accept this, but given the lack of evidence about how oversight in small countries works, they fall back on archetype institutions. Our research findings confirm that the lessons learned in the United Kingdom and Canada are mostly irrelevant to small states, and the experiences in one small country may not easily transfer to other small countries. A particular problem is that the Westminster-form of parliamentary governance is not suited to small states, and certain facets need to be relaxed to reflect the contextual differences between the larger Commonwealth states and smaller island economies. For example, given the small number of elected MPs, joint House-Senate Committees could be established where Parliament comprises two chambers. Furthermore, where the number of Members is small, Ministers could be allowed to sit on Committees that do not oversee their departments. Committee membership could include appointees from the public at large, as in some Pacific islands. To overcome the lack of resources, staff from the Auditor-General’s office could support the Public Accounts Committee, and limited staff resources could be supplemented by college or high-school interns.

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PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

In the first of a three-part series, this article looks at the origins and history of some of the parliamentary expressions and practices used in many Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures.

PART ONE: my experience. Hence in this attracts the Speaker’s attention article I have shortlisted certain first will be called to speak. This Introduction parliamentary expressions, applies during all parliamentary Democracy is most revered, and dwell on these one-by-one business, from questions and credible and accepted system by way of collating meanings statements to more general of governance, the world over. thereto from various sources, debates. The of also giving a brief background. Generally, more than one democracy, which owes its All the sources have been MP will rise from their seats origins to the ‘Westminster’ credited to at the end notes. and whosoever attracts the system of parliamentary Speaker’s attention first will be Ravindra democracy, is one of the most ‘Catching the eye of the given permission to speak. MPs Garimella is a popular among the democratic Speaker’ can increase their chance of Consultant at the Lok politics. ‘Catching the Speaker’s eye’ catching the Speaker’s eye by Sabha Secretariat, In the context of the describes the way in which functioning of Parliament, we Members of Parliament let the Parliament of India. come across some often used Speaker know that they want He has been a regular and referred parliamentary to speak during a debate or contributor to The expressions. As a parliamentary question time in the House of Parliamentarian officer and Officer-At-The-Table Commons. MPs may speak only “In the context of and writes the Third for more than two decades, if they are called to do so by the the functioning Reading reports I found it relevant to compile Speaker. MPs attract the attention and dwell upon some of the of the Speaker by standing up of Parliament, on behalf of the often-used parliamentary briefly every time the next MP is we come across Parliament of India for expressions, together with about to be called.1 some often used the Journal. some conventions for their use. To ‘catch the Speaker’s I wish to clarify at the eye’ is universally regarded and referred threshold that the expressions, as equivalent to the right to parliamentary procedures and conventions, speak, and in this rather odd discussed in this article is phraseology, a rule has been expressions. As not an exhaustive list, per understood to be conveyed a parliamentary se. To put the matter in its which enabled the President officer and Officer- perspective, during interactions of the Assembly to select from all these years, with scholars, the conflicting claimants who At-The-Table for and all those interested in wanted to speak, the Member more than two parliamentary procedures, there who would next be entitled to has been a keen inquisitiveness address the House.2 decades, I found it on certain aspects. Needless In the UK House of relevant to compile to say if one were to search for Commons, any MP wishing meaning of these expressions, to take part in a debate in the and dwell upon one can of course find these House of Commons must some of the often- on the internet, but not always attract the Speaker’s attention used parliamentary at one place and not always – or ‘catch their eye’ – as the sought to be explained in the Speaker chooses who may expressions, manner and sequence, in which, speak at any given moment. together with some anybody who is interested, MPs rise from their seats and may generally desire. At least stand for a moment in the gaps conventions for that is how I feel based on between speeches. Whoever their use.”

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in the Chamber where the ‘Defection’ thus connotes the Government party sit together process of abandoning a cause on one side (usually the right) or withdrawing from it or from a and the Opposition sit together party or programme. It has thus on the other side (usually to an element, on the one hand, of the left). A change of party giving up (one’s party) and, on Image: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor allegiance can literally mean the other, an element of joining ‘crossing the floor of the House’ another. from one side of the Chamber ‘Defection’ thus is a process to the other.4 by which a person abandons or The term floor-crossing can withdraws his allegiance or duty. be used in two different ways. Traditionally, this phenomenon The definition used here is the is known as ‘floor-crossing’ process when one Member which had its origin in the UK Above: In the UK House of Commons, Members of Parliament of Parliament (or Council) House of Commons where need to ‘catch the eye of the Speaker’ - currently Rt Hon. Sir ultimately leaves his or her a legislator changed his/her Lindsay Hoyle, MP - in order to be selected to speak in a debate. political party in order to join allegiance when they crossed another party or become an the floor and moved from the writing to them in advance of a (2) Unless an MP rises in independent candidate. Government to the Opposition debate, stating that they wish to their own seat and ‘catches the The term was first used to side, or vice-versa. speak in it.3 Speaker’s eye’, the Member describe the process when It would be of interest to shall not be called upon by the Members of the UK House of note that in the early stages of Indian Parliament Speaker to speak, irrespective Commons ‘crossed the floor’ their parliamentary struggles This parliamentary practice of whether that Member has to join the group of people for political power in the on similar lines prevails in the sent one’s own name through (Members of another political United Kingdom, Members Parliament of India too. The his Party or Group to which the party) that were seated on the of Parliament resorted to relevant provisions in this Member belongs or written opposite side of the floor. ‘defections’ frequently and regard, under the heading direct to the Speaker. In some cases, the term even in large numbers. In the provided for ‘Methods of (3) The Speaker shall not ‘floor-crossing’ is used to 19th century, William Gladstone, participation in Debate’ in the be bound by the lists or order denote the singular event of regarded as the ‘grand old Directions by the Speaker, are in which names have been voting with another party on man’ of British Liberalism, as follows: given by Parties or Groups or one particular and special began his Parliamentary career 115A. (1) Any one of the individuals directly. The lists shall question. This is the case in as a Conservative Member following three methods may be for the guidance only of the a few countries, where the of Parliament when he was be adopted by MPs who desire Speaker and it shall always be Members of Parliament vote elected in December 1832. to notify the Speaker of their open to the Speaker to make through their seating position During Peel’s second Ministry intention to take part in a debate changes whenever necessary and are allowed to change their (1841-46), he ‘crossed over’ to or discussion: in order that the debates are seat for every vote, particularly the Liberal side and was made (a) The names of MPs who regulated in accordance with the in decisions without required Vice-President of the Board, wish to participate in a particular general principles laid down by party discipline. and later Secretary of State for debate or discussion may be the Speaker from time to time. In the context of ‘floor- the Colonies.5 supplied to the Speaker by the (4) If a Member speaks crossing’, the expression UK Prime Minister, Winston Parliamentary Parties or Groups. without being called by the ‘defection’ too becomes Churchill’s political career (b) An MP who prefers to Speaker to speak or continues relevant, inasmuch as ‘crossing was marked by repeated write direct to the Speaker may to speak despite the directions the floor’ or ‘floor-crossing’ is ‘floor-crossing’. Churchill do so without having to go of the Speaker to conclude the tantamount to political defection began his parliamentary life through the machinery of their speech forthwith, the Speaker by a Member of Parliament. as a Conservative. In 1904 he Parliamentary Party or Group. may direct that such speech or Speaking of the etymology defected from the Conservative (c) An MP who may not like portions thereof, as the case of the term ‘defection’, the term Party and crossed over to the to give one’s own name to the may be, shall not form part of appears to have been derived, Liberal Party. From 1904 to 1922, Speaker through his Party or the proceedings of the House. as the dictionary definition Churchill remained a Liberal. In to write direct to the Speaker suggests, from the Latin word 1922, he contested the election but wishes to adopt the well- ‘Crossing the Floor of the House’ ‘defectio’, indicating an act as a ‘Lloyd George Liberal’.6 known parliamentary practice To ‘cross the floor’ in Parliament of abandonment of a person of ‘catching the Speaker’s eye’ means to change sides: to or a cause to which such ‘Well of the House’ may stand in their own seat leave one political party and join person is bound by reasons of The ‘well of the House’ (or whenever the MP wishes to another. The expression comes allegiance or duty, or to which sometimes the ‘pit of the take part in a debate. from the seating arrangements he has willfully attached himself. House’) are commonly used

150 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 Kurtz following observationsofKarl be ofinteresttotakenote to find.Inthiscontext,itwould for itsprecisedefinitionit’shard context. Butifwestartlooking terms intheparliamentary origin oftheterm. nothing intheirfiles onthe and wastoldthattheyhad Capitol Buildingthisquestion asked theUSArchitectof Phelps saidthathehadonce answer tothequestion.John some ideasbutnodefinitive question. Togetherwehave of Representatives,aboutthis Clerk oftheLouisianaHouse and Alfred(Butch)Speer, House ofRepresentatives, former ClerkoftheFlorida of ‘well’. close totheLegislativeversion the solicitorssit’.That’spretty occupied bycounsel)where bench andthelastrowofseats law court(betweenthejudge’s ‘ one meaningofthewordas Dictionary, whichprovides comes fromtheOxfordEnglish that relatestoLegislatures dictionary definitionof‘well’ as toitsderivation. Chambers, muchlessanyclues ‘well’ thatmentionsLegislative online dictionarydefinitionof Google, doesn’tproducean Chamber. Searchengine, ‘well’ thatrelatestoaLegislative I checkedgiveadefinitionof unabridged dictionariesthat does thetermcomefrom? their owndesks.)Butwhere that Membersoftenspeakfrom smaller sizeofSenatesmean often thanHouses,becausethe also refertothe‘well’,butless the Chamber.(SomeSenates from whichMembersaddress Speaker’s Chairorrostrum use fortheareainfrontof term thatmanyLegislatures of thehouse?’The‘well’isa The space on the floor of a The spaceonthefloorof I consulted with John Phelps, I consultedwithJohnPhelps, The closestthingtoa Interestingly, noneofthe What istheoriginof‘well 7 inthisregard. a definitiveanswer. explanations butnowherenear speaking ‘downawell’. for speaking,asifonewere Chamber withthebestacoustics that the‘well’isareaof Representatives website,is about ontheFloridaHouseof Phelps, whichhehaswritten Senators.’ delegates/Representatives/ rostrum] andthefirstrowof bench [ortheSpeaker’schair/ court betweenthejudge’s from thatspacewithinalaw Chamber wasalsoacarryover reference tothe‘well’withina hemisphere andperhapsthe Court) carriedthatroletothis Massachusetts’ General Legislatures (forexample and sincesomecolonial Lords sitsasacourtattimes, law court.SincetheHouseof a definition forfloorspacein by theOxfordEnglishDictionary suggests: ‘Myideaissparked this thesourceofterm? chairs) aboveandbehindit.Is Clerk’s andSpeaker’sdesks(or risers infrontofitandthe with theMembers’deskson the lowestpointinChamber of asailboat.Oftenthewellis a sunkenplace,asinthewell ideas anddebateissue. House isthe‘spring’fromwhich speculates thatthe‘well’of is relevant.JohnPhelpsalso up. Butwehavenoideaifthis place wheredebatebubbles ‘well’ oftheHouseissome ‘bubble up’.So,Iwonderifthe English meaning‘boil’or of ‘well’isderivedfromOld says thatthelawcourtmeaning The entrance into the Chamber, entrance intothe Chamber, is abarrierormarker atthe Parliaments initsliteralsense The ‘BaroftheHouse’vis-à-vis ‘Bar of the House’ All of these are plausible All oftheseareplausible Another suggestionfromJohn Alfred (Butch)Speer Another meaningof‘well’is So, hereisourspeculation. Oxford EnglishDictionary 9 8

The Parliamentarian |

which marks its boundaries. which marksitsboundaries. railing. One of the bar’s original railing. Oneofthe bar’soriginal In theUKHouse ofLords,itisa Jamaica totheUKParliament). Merton, London,itwasthegiftof (made byStarkieGardnerLtd., retractable ‘BaroftheHouse’ However, thereisalsoabronze of theHouseCommons. of thefloorChamber by awhitelineacrossthewidth In theUK,Barisdenoted from acrosstheCommonwealth. standard formforthebar. over theworld,thereisno Westminster Parliamentsall tradition isstillobservedby Although the‘BarofHouse’ work. In the UK House of Lords (), it is marked by wooden work. IntheUKHouseofLords(UpperHouse),itismarkedbywooden beyond which guests and visitors may not pass when the House is at beyond whichguestsandvisitorsmaynotpasswhentheHouseisat There are many examples There aremanyexamples Above: The Bar of the House marks the boundary of the Chamber Above: TheBaroftheHousemarksboundaryChamber panelling andagatedrailing(atthebottomofimageabove). 2020: Issue Two|100years ofpublishing1920-2020 |151 EXPRESSIONS AND EXPRESSIONS AND PARLIAMENTARY PARLIAMENTARY Parliamentary Chambers also Parliamentary Chambers also of Representatives. Other to theChamberofHouse placed acrosstheentrance is abrassrodthatcanbe be lowered across the entrance. cylindrical bronzerailwhichcan Representatives, theBarisa inside itssouthentrance. across thefloorofChamber House’ isabrassrodextending of Commons,the‘Bar potentially votingwithMembers. from entering,minglingand to keepunauthorisedpeople functions atWestminsterwas In New Zealand, the Bar In NewZealand,theBar In theAustralianHouseof In theCanadianHouse PRACTICES

Image: UK Parliament PARLIAMENTARY EXPRESSIONS AND PRACTICES

Above: The Lok Sabha chamber at the Parliament of India. Speaker in the House of ‘Bar of the House’ also has Lords, report the answer relevance in the context have Bars, the above are but a House, meaning guilty of an of the Crown; but when of the penal jurisdiction few examples. offense against the dignity or they have been presented of Houses of Parliament. The ‘Bar of the House’ plays authority of Parliament, they in the ordinary way, the The power of the House an important symbolic role. It is may be summoned to the ‘Bar answer is reported, in the to punish any person who a barrier past which uninvited of the House’ to answer to the Commons, by one of the commits a contempt of representatives of the Crown, authority of the House, or to be royal household (usually the House or a breach of including Members of the reprimanded by the Speaker a Government Whip), who any of its privileges is the Upper Chamber, and other in the name of the House. This appears at the ‘Bar of the ‘keystone’ of parliamentary non-Members are not welcome. was fairly common procedure in House’ and, on being privileges. In cases of ‘Strangers’ – which includes the early days of Parliament but called by the Speaker, breaches of privileges everyone who is not a Member happens rarely now. reads the Crown’s answer.11 or contempts committed of the House or an official of Other contexts in which the • Complaints by Officers of by Members and non- the House, are not allowed on ‘Bar of the House’ is relevant in Either House - formerly, members, the House can the floor of the Chamber. They the UK Parliament include: when a complaint has impose these punishments: must remain behind the ‘Bar of • An Address to the been made by the Usher admonition, reprimand, the House’. The Bar is a point Crown and Answers to of the to the withdrawal from the House, outside which no Member may Addresses – an Address House of Lords or by the imprisonment and in speak to the House or over to The Queen is the form Serjeant-at-Arms to the case of its own Members, which no visitor may cross ordinarily employed by House of Commons (the suspension from the and enter the Chamber unless both Houses of Parliament Serjeant usually made service of the House and invited by the House. for making their desires a written report to the expulsion from the House. The Bar also has a and opinions known to the Speaker), the person being • Punishment of non- procedural role. In theory, a Crown, as well as for the complained about was Members other than by person may be brought to the purpose of acknowledging called in or ordered to be committal (Reprimand or ‘Bar of the House’ to receive communications brought to the ‘Bar of the admonition) - Where the thanks, to provide information or proceeding from the House’ forthwith or ordered offence is not so grave as documents, to answer charges Crown.10 When Addresses to attend the House on a to warrant the committal or to receive punishment. When have been presented future day to answer the of the offender, he or an individual – be it a Member by the whole House, the matter of the complaint.12 she is generally directed of Parliament or a ‘stranger’ – is Speaker of the House of • Penal jurisdiction of to be reprimanded or found to be in contempt of the Commons and the Lord Houses of Parliament – the admonished formally

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by the Speaker or Lord of reprimand of the contemnors. of the weekly magazine, Bill, 1980 as the Finance Act, Speaker. In the House of In keeping with Westminster ‘Blitz’, was reprimanded on 1980, before it had received Commons, the offender, if parliamentary system of 29 August 1961 for publishing the assent of the President. he or she is in attendance, democracy, each House of the a libelous dispatch in the In another instance a former is brought to the ‘Bar of India Parliament is guardian of magazine. In another case, Shri member of , Shri the House’ forthwith by its own privileges. Courts of law S. C. Mukherjee, a Government K.K. Tiwari was summoned the Serjeant-at-Arms and in India have recognised that, Officer was reprimanded on 9 to the ‘Bar of the House’ on 1 is there reprimanded by the Houses of Parliament (or December 1970 for deliberately June 1990 and reprimanded for the Speaker in the name a State Legislature) is the sole misrepresenting facts and having cast aspersions on the and by the authority of the authority to judge as to whether giving false evidence before the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. House. The offender is then or not there has been a breach Committee on Public Accounts. discharged. If, however, he of privilege or contempt of the In this context, it would be This article series on Parliamentary or she is not in attendance, House. It has also been held worthwhile to take note of a expressions and practices will he may be ordered either that the power of the House to case during Fourth Lok Sabha continue in the next issue of The to be taken into the custody commit for contempt is identical when a Member raised a Parliamentarian. of the Serjeant-at-Arms with that of the UK House of question of privilege regarding and brought to the ‘Bar of Commons and that a court of his alleged manhandling and References: the House’ the following law would be incompetent to removal by the police at Nagpur 1 Glossary of United Kingdom or at some later day, there scrutinise the exercise of that Railway Station on 27 May 1970. Parliament. to be reprimanded and power. The Member raised the matter 2 From ‘Saturday Review’, New discharged, or to attend the What does a ‘Bar of the in the House on 18 November Zealander Volume XIX, Issue 1948, House on a future day to House’ look like in the India 1970. After some discussion, a (17 August 1863). be reprimanded.13 Parliament and where is it motion was moved by another 3 Courtesy BBC News; BBC • Punishment of Members: placed when an occasion Member that the concerned Democracy Live. House of Commons arises for need to have a ‘Bar Deputy Commissioner of Police 4 http://www.parliament.uk/ (Reprimand or admonition) of the House’? For this, we and Sub-Inspector of Police site-information/glossary/crossing- - In the House of Commons, need to have a fair idea as to of the State of Maharashtra the-floor it was previously the case how the Lok Sabha Chamber be summoned to appear at 5 Anti-Defection Law in India that Members received a looks like. The Lok Sabha the ‘Bar of the House’ on 3 and the Commonwealth by G. C. reprimand or admonition (House of the People) Chamber December 1970 to answer the Malhotra (2005), pp l-2 (former standing in their places, of the Parliament of India is charge of breach of privilege Secretary-General, Lok Sabha). unless they were in the in a ‘horseshoe’ shape, more and contempt of the House 6 Sudarshan Agawal (former custody of the Serjeant- commonly seen as a semi- for allegedly assaulting the Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha), at-Arms, in which event circle. There are six entrances Member (who raised the notice The Anti-Defection Law in India, they were reprimanded (gates) into the Lok Sabha of a question of privilege). The Parliamentarian, January 1986, at the ‘Bar of the House’. from the Inner Lobby. Each Accordingly, on 3 December LXVII No. 1 When a Member is ordered entrance/gate facilitates to 1970, the concerned police 7 Karl Kurtz, a leading voice of to be reprimanded or to form six aisles in the chamber officers appeared before the State Legislatures in USA, has been be admonished, he or which all converge at the ‘well ‘Bar of the House’. They offered Director of Trust of Representative she may be called in to of the House’. Consequently, their profound apologies to Democracy of National Council of receive the reprimand or there are six blocks of seats the House. Thereafter, the State Legislatures, and the longest admonition forthwith, or in the Chamber. Gate number Speaker of the Fourth Lok serving employee of NCSL. they may be ordered to 3 directly faces the Chair of Sabha observed that in view of 8 Alfred (Butch) Speer, Clerk of attend the House in their the Speaker of Lok Sabha in the apologies tendered by the House and Custodian of House place the following or some the main Chamber. So when said police officers at the’Bar of Records, Louisiana, House of later day. More recently, an occasion arises for putting the House’, the matter may be Representatives. however, Members have in place a ‘Bar of the House’, treated as closed. The House 9 The Well of the House by Karl been reprimanded (and a wooden witness-box like agreed and the matter was Kurtz. (Source: http://ncsl.typepad. suspended) by virtue of a structure is put in place at gate accordingly closed. com/the-thicket/2008/05/the-well- resolution of the House to number 3, that forms the ‘Bar of In Rajya Sabha there had of-the.html) that effect, and have not the House’, when it is required. been only two such instances. 10 Erskine May Parliamentary then received the House’s In the Lok Sabha, there In one instance, three persons Practice (24th edition) p.168. censure, standing in their have only been two cases - joint authors of a book - were 11 Ibid, p.170. place or otherwise.14 of persons having been summoned to the ‘Bar of the 12 Ibid, pp 279-80 summoned to the ‘Bar of the House’ and reprimanded by the 13 Ibid, pp 196-97 In the Parliament of India, the House’ and reprimanded by Chairman of Rajya Sabha on 24 14 Ibid, pp 197-98 term ‘Bar of the House’ has had the Speaker. In one case, the December 1980 for describing more relevance in the context late Shri R. K. Karanjia, Editor in the said book, the Finance

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2nd Tonga Youth Parliament serves as an empowerment tool for prospective young leaders

The recent 2nd Tonga Youth Parliament (#TYP20) galvanised The orientation afforded an opportunity for participants to learn young Tongan prospective Parliamentarians and leaders about Tonga’s history and political system, human rights, social to actively engage in the civic and political processes and issues and development, youth unemployment, climate change demystified the sphere of Parliamentary practice and procedure, and civic education. with the theme of ‘Our Parliament: Bringing Parliament to You’. The concluding 2-day sittings provided youth delegates Hosted by the Fale Alea o Tonga (Legislative Assembly of with a key opportunity to debate two motions in the Assembly Tonga) and CPA Tonga Branch in Nuku’alofa, Tonga from 12 to chambers. Participants assumed their positions as Youth 20 March 2020, participants debated petitions and motions in Parliamentarians calling for motions, that involved the potential the Parliamentary Chambers. establishment of a youth council for each electoral constituency The 28 delegates, aged between 14 and 34 years, hailed from in Tonga to address development issues predominantly across the 17 electoral constituencies of Tonga. The 10-day effecting the youth, in addition to calling for the Legislative programme consisted of an 8-day orientation and concluded Assembly to direct the Government to erect a juvenile detention with a 2-day sitting for delegates to debate issues of concern. centre in Tonga for the custody, detention or rehabilitation of youth offenders. Participants also debated potential legislation that would help to protect young people from the risks of cyber-bullying in Tonga. Delegates also tabled petitions that called for equal access to education with specific emphasis on the outer islands’ youth needs, as well as a call for government action to improve the restrictions of unhealthy foods, especially in relation to their wide accessibility within the Tongan school system. The 2nd Tonga Youth Parliament was opened with an engaging address from HRH Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Halaevalu Mata’aho Napua ‘Okalani Tuku’aho, representing the King of Tonga. “You are in Nuku’alofa today to represent the voices

154 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 CPA NEWS Images: CPA Tonga Branch and Parliament of

and the views of your peers from throughout the 17 electoral the people, and I believe I am continuing that legacy,” added constituencies of Tonga,” said the Princess during her address. Crystal Tu’inukuafe, a Youth Parliament participant aged 20. She further added: “I know for sure that sitting amongst you are “Youth participation in national decision making is very future Parliamentarians, future church leaders, future teachers, important as we are the reef of today and the land of tomorrow,” future fathers and mothers. Maybe a future first female Prime said Eliki Laume, 16, Youth Parliament participant. Minister. Anything is possible! But in all, you are already The 2nd Tonga Youth Parliament provided participants with an influencers for the collective good of not just the youth, but for indispensable opportunity to experience the inner machinations everyone.” of Tonga’s seat of governance and to network with senior Ms Mele Fonua, 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament Members of Parliament as well as men and women who are participant and newly elected Chairperson of the Whole House considered influential leaders in their respective fields. Committee for the Tonga Youth Parliament said: “It is clear from The Tonga Youth Parliament was organised by the Legislative this youth parliament, that the Tonga Parliament has given the Assembly of Tonga with aid from the Tonga business opportunity for youths to learn about the Legislature and to community, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), have their voices heard at the national level.” UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme “The youth parliament is giving us a platform to voice our (UNDP) through its Pacific Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative concerns, we are here representing the young people of Tonga, (PPEI) project funded by the Government of New Zealand. it’s a chance to amplify our voices and influence decision makers in our country,” said ‘Ainise ‘Ofa, elected as the Tonga For further information about the Tonga Youth Parliament and a look at Youth Parliament’s Prime Minister. the proceedings visit https://twitter.com/TongaParliament. “My grandfather is a leader in my community and he always says that to be a great leader, you must do what is best for

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EMPOWERING YOUTH PARLIAMENTARIANS

How my experience at the 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament shaped my role as Chairperson of the Whole House Committee at the Tonga Youth Parliament 2020.

“Me’a mai e ‘Eiki Sea e Komiti one, the poise and patience I made that experience a distant Kakato! – The Chair of the developed to handle difficult but imprinted memory. Whole House Committee is situations, and two, the This was the first time I had entering!” the Serjeant-at-Arms objectivity I learnt to make fair experienced such adversity calls, and the House falls quiet. and impartial decisions. and it really challenged my The only sounds I hear are the When I look back at my capacity to cope with difficulties massive chairs making way for experience at the 10th CYP, I posed by the natural, social their occupants to stand, as did not realize at the time, but and cultural environments. The the Procedures of the House from the moment the plane ability to cope with adversity dictate. You could hear a pin took off, my patience and self- helped me to develop the skills Mele Fonua drop, with the Members of control were tested. Of all the required to react in different participated in the the Tonga Youth Parliament participants present at the 10th situations. For example as 10th Commonwealth (TYP) for 2020 standing in CYP, I travelled the farthest - the Chairperson of the House silence. Except, there were no from Tonga, to Auckland, to Committee in Tonga, it was Youth Parliament in pins, only the sound of heels Bali, then Dubai and finally to required of me to think and India in November echoing through the House. Delhi - over a period of almost decide quickly when things 2019, representing With my workbook clutched in two days with little to no sleep. got out of hand in the House, Tonga. She was one hand and my vigorously Arriving in India, I exited the when the argument got heated beating heart in the other, I airport terminal only to realise or irrelevant or when everyone the Chairperson of made my way towards my seat. that I had missed my escort. started to feel they were no the Whole House I bow towards the House, the To make matters worse, my longer able to communicate Committee of the MPs bow in return and I take phone was completely out of and in all that, to keep a cool recent Tonga Youth my seat followed by the rest battery. I could not contact the head. of the Members. “Malo, ke tau CPA staff to notify them of my I am thankful that the 10th Parliament. Mele kamata. – Thank you, let us arrival or the Delhi Legislative CYP really me taught an extra is also the Chief begin.” Assembly office. I waited quietly lesson on following the Rules Operating Officer of As I recall my memorable on a bench, on the verge of and Procedures as guided by Tonga Youth Leaders, experience early this year crying or screaming, or both. as the Chairperson of the There I was, in a very unfamiliar a youth organisation Whole House Committee of country, climate, culture and “ This was the first in Tonga. TYP, I want to acknowledge language, far away from home, time I had experienced how my participation in the pushed to my limit to think on 10th Commonwealth Youth my feet. Overcoming a huge such adversity and it Parliament (CYP) in November language barrier, I managed to really challenged my 2019 contributed to ensuring get a hold of a local taxi drivers’ the effective execution of my phone, found the hotel contact capacity to cope with role. I learnt many things from information online, and was able difficulties posed by my CYP experience, not only to reach the organizers. Finally, from the two days we spent after a challenging two hours, the natural, social and discussing and debating in the I was found by the Legislative cultural environments. Delhi Legislative Assembly Assembly staff and escorted to The ability to cope with chambers but throughout the the Ashok Hotel. The hospitality entire journey to Delhi, India. and kindness of the staff at the adversity helped me However, there are two specific hotel, the CPA staff and the to develop the skills experiences for which I credit Delhi Legislative Assembly staff my successful participation and their commitment to making required to react in in the TYP as Chairperson; our stay comfortable quickly different situations.”

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Above: Over 40 Commonwealth youth delegates aged 18 to 29 given to each side - the Cabinet young people’s participation years old attended the 10th Commonwealth Youth Parliament (Government) and the informal in my country. I believe youth hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the opposition - to formulate and engagement is being equally Delhi Legislative Assembly in Delhi, India in November 2019. support their arguments. promoted by my fellow CYP10 Thankfully, my experience participants, if not more so, in Hon. Fasiha Hassan, Member policies and agenda. The final as an Independent member their own communities and of the Gauteng Provincial decisions that would tip the of the 10th CYP had formed a countries through other unique Legislature in South Africa, scales however, lay with the solid foundation for objective and transformative ways. It is who acted as the Speaker of five Independent Members decision-making and I believe I because of the Commonwealth the 10th Commonwealth Youth of the 10th CYP, of which I was displayed the level of fairness I Youth Parliament programme Parliament. In the same way, I one. While both parties held had intended to deliver. that we are all hopeful that imitated the same confidence caucuses to find ways to push It is because of my one day, we will all clutch our in guiding all the House their own agendas, we, the experiences at the workbooks in one hand, and discussions when I returned to Independents, were able to Commonwealth Youth our vigorously beating hearts in Tonga; knowing when it was really study both parties, their Parliament programme that the other, making our way to our appropriate to show leniency weaknesses, their strengths my role as Chairperson of the seats, in Parliament around the and when to make a firm stance and how we could leverage on Whole House Committee at Commonwealth or otherwise, to on following the Rules and both to push for a more holistic the Tonga Youth Parliament work towards a common future. Procedures. From experiences and objective approach. has contributed to shaping outside the chambers and As an Independent member observations inside, my 10th CYP at the 10th CYP, I was given Mele Fonua in her role as the Chairperson of experience shaped the way I an opportunity to really listen the Whole House Committee of the recent dealt with difficult situations. to the arguments from both Tonga Youth Parliament. The entire 10th CYP parties and shaped the way I programme was planned with took in information. I learned such meticulous attention to to scrutinise arguments, find detail, all thanks to the CPA staff weaknesses and strengths and as well as the Delhi Legislative process relevant and irrelevant Assembly staff. All the information. participants were allocated into As the Chairperson of the three groups, 26 participants Whole House Committee formed the Government back in Tonga, it was my duty of ‘Commonwealthland’ to referee the way debates and another 19 formed the were handled according to the Opposition party; both with procedures of the House. I had a pre-determined profile, to balance the opportunities

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Commonwealth Parliamentary Association celebrates Commonwealth Day 2020 in its 180 Parliaments and Legislatures

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) celebrated message on behalf Commonwealth Day 2020 across the CPA’s nine Regions and of the CPA and said: over 180 Parliaments and Legislatures. The 2020 Commonwealth “Commonwealth Day theme focuses on ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Day holds a special Innovating, Transforming’ which offered opportunities for significance for the the people, Parliaments, governments and institutions of the Commonwealth Commonwealth to connect and work together at many levels Parliamentary Association. It provides an opportunity to celebrate through far-reaching and deep-rooted networks of friendship and the collective achievements of our 180 Branches with the 2.4 goodwill. billion people that have felt their positive impacts first-hand. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincerest and Patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, gratitude to all member Branches of the CPA for working tirelessly with members of the Royal Family, Commonwealth leaders and in their efforts to embed our shared Commonwealth values into High Commissioners, attended celebrations in London to mark the heart of all that we do.” Commonwealth Day 2020 and attended one of the largest multi- In order to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2020, the CPA faith celebration services in Westminster Abbey. The service was Headquarters Secretariat launched a CPA Commonwealth also attended by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon. Day Youth Engagement Pack, for the benefit of all of our CPA Patricia Scotland, QC and the Acting CPA Secretary-General, Mr Branches in order to inspire Parliaments to engage their young Jarvis Matiya as well as 1,000 school children. people. The Youth Engagement Pack provides a handbook Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP, Chairperson of the CPA with suggestions for the different types of youth outreach and International Executive Committee and Deputy Speaker of the engagement programmes that Parliaments can carry out, useful National Assembly of Cameroon released a Commonwealth Day supporting tools to facilitate the delivery of these programmes and a leaflet on relevant information pertaining to the Commonwealth Day 2020 theme. Visit www.cpahq.org/cpahq/CWDay2020 to download the CPA Commonwealth Day 2020 Youth Engagement Pack. CPA Branches and Regions across the network of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association also marked Commonwealth Day 2020 in many different ways. Commonwealth Day has been celebrated around the Commonwealth on the second

Images copyright: Royal Commonwealth Society and Secretariat. Monday in March every year since the 1970s.

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Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Canada Branch On 9 March 2020, the Canadian Federal Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) celebrated Commonwealth Day 2020 by hosting an event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In attendance were High Commissioners from across the Commonwealth, Canadian Senators and Members of Parliament. The formal part of the event was launched by the Chair of the CPA Canadian Branch, Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP, with welcoming remarks and a presentation of messages from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and from the Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP. Ms. Ratansi then invited the Speaker of the House of Commons, Hon. Anthony Rota, MP and the Dean of the Commonwealth Group in Canada, the High Commission for Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Kamal Bashah Ahmad, to give a few remarks. In keeping with the 2020 Commonwealth theme, ‘Delivering a The evening’s formalities were concluded with a short promotional Common Future: Innovating, Connecting and Transforming’, the video, prepared by the CPA Canadian Region, about the 65th guest speakers underscored the significance of the Commonwealth Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to be hosted in Halifax, family in the 21st century. Nova Scotia from 12-18 January 2021.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly hosted its annual Youth Parliament in celebration of Commonwealth Day 2020. There were 23 youth Parliamentarians aged 14 to 18 from various high schools on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac who chose two topics to debate by way of Private Member Motions. One Motion titled ‘Regulation of the use of e-cigarettes in the Cayman Islands’ was brought by a government backbencher Member. The other Motion, an Opposition Motion, was moved by the Leader of the Opposition. This Motion asked for the to be changed from 18 years to 16 years and for the implementation of a political high school course. There were animated speeches by the youth Parliamentarians from Deputy Premier) and Reon Porter (the Leader of the Opposition). The the Government and Opposition sides in an effort to have their motions Cayman Islands Youth Parliament was followed by a reception hosted passed. The Government prevailed however, and the Opposition’s by His Excellency The Governor of the Cayman Islands, Mr Martyn Motion failed. The awards for best debaters went to Kiarilyn Reyes (the Roper, OBE and Mrs Roper.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Ghana Branch honour and delivered a keynote address during which he encouraged The Public Affairs Department of the Parliament of the Ghana, under the student Parliamentarians to adhere to the highest standards of the authorization of the Clerk to Parliament, organised the annual participation in politics and decision-making, and to work hard to celebrations in Ghana. For 2020, an expanded debate was held contribute effectively to the development of national democracy. among members of the Students’ Parliament in selected Tertiary institutions to mark the day. The collaborated with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (Ghana Office)

to facilitate the organisation of the celebration activities. Activities Images: WFD Ghana undertaken in the joint endeavour included mentorship and educational programmes at the tertiary institutions aimed at including the youth in politics and decision making. It also included the production of a significant repository of information for young aspiring Parliamentarians and the creation of an enabling environment for such young political actors to thrive. For the first time, a quiz competition to be held on a separate day was added to the celebration activities. The debate was held at the National Theatre in Accra with the six qualifying schools under the topic of ‘Ghana Beyond Aid: An Attainable Feat or A Political Slogan’ and the 1st Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Ghana, Hon. Joseph Osei-Owusu was the guest of

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Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Fiji Branch With the endorsement of the Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, a special tours programme was organised to commemorate Commonwealth Day 2020. The theme of ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’ was used during the event and corresponding activities were organised according to the theme. The CPA Commonwealth Day Youth Engagement Pack submitted by the CPA Headquarters Secretariat also assisted the Fijian Parliament in organising events, with the toolkit supplied by CPA offering diverse options and a range of activities that could be utilised. Students of the Fiji National University, University of the South Pacific (USP) and University of Fiji attended the event which included a tour of Parliament, a short presentation about Parliament, a meeting with some Members of Parliament and a quiz with prizes. the Commonwealth and how they assist each other financially, For Solomon Island final year USP student, Sally Kura, the visit has especially during natural disasters.” broadened her knowledge about the Commonwealth and also the For University of Fiji law student, Viliame Koroinivalu, the visit has Fijian Parliament. She said: “Back at home, I have never visited our helped him to learn more about the history of the Fijian Parliament and Parliament and it’s a privilege to visit this august House in Fiji. While getting to meet some Members of Parliament. “For me, a highlight of my visiting the Chamber, I noticed that Members of Parliament sit close to visit was meeting with some Members of Parliament. I also read about each other across the room, as compared to what I see on television.” gender equality on the Commonwealth pamphlet, which caught my University of the South Pacific student Sanjeshni Prasad was full attention as we just celebrated International Women’s Day on Sunday.” of praise of her visit to Parliament and said that all the departments Fiji Member of the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and within Parliament were explained very well. “We participated in lots Human Rights, Hon. Rohit Sharma, gave a brief explanation about of quizzes which helped us to better understand Parliament and the the role of MPs and urged students to study hard and aspire to Commonwealth. I learnt how countries are grouped together within become good citizens.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Malawi Branch The also The Chairperson for the CPA Malawi Branch, Ephraim Abel Kayembe, highlighted that Malawi student MP spoke about how the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association had benefitting from the Queen has contributed skills development among legislators and in providing Elizabeth Commonwealth policy development and implementation at a Commonwealth Day Scholarships (QECS) which has 2020 reception in Lilongwe. The CPA Malawi Chairperson also said 18 awards shared across 14 that the Parliament of Malawi’s involvement in the Association has host universities in 12 countries. helped in developing strategic partnerships with the UK, Canadian “The famous Commonwealth and Scottish Parliaments. Scholarships delivered under The reception to celebrate Commonwealth Day was hosted by the Commonwealth Scholarship British High Commissioner to Malawi, Holly Tett who spoke about the and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and many Commonwealth connections in Malawi. The work of the Queen Commonwealth Scholarship Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust was emphasized as the Trust is Commission in the United Kingdom working to eliminate blinding trachoma in Malawi and Mozambique (CSC). Over its 60-year history, by the end of 2020 with the help of £50 million between 2013-19 of the CSFP has supported over 36,000 individuals, with over 28,600 matched UK Government funding. supported by the CSC.”

With thanks to CPA Branches for sharing their Commonwealth Day 2020 news. Please email [email protected] with your news stories and images for future issues of The Parliamentarian.

160 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Kiribati Branch Commonwealth Day 2020 was celebrated in Kiribati with different educational activities that engaged school students and youth members, as well as the general public, during the celebrations. The House of Parliament in Kiribati led the organisation of a one-week programme of activities around Commonwealth Day that included the formal reading of the Queen’s message, a Youth Parliament, the writing of poems and several competitions for local choirs, dance, drama, art, karaoke and a quiz competition. The main events were attended by the Minister from the Ministry of Women Youth and Sport, the Chief Justice and the Speaker of the The formal ceremony of Commonwealth Day was delayed by one Kiribati Parliament House, who presented certificates and prizes to week to Saturday 21 March, due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Youth Parliament members and competition winners.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Jamaica Branch The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Jamaica, Hon. Pearnel Charles, Sr hailed the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) for providing an avenue for all member countries and Parliamentarians

to have an equal voice regardless of country size, income, race, religion Image: Jamaica Information Service JIS or gender. “In fact, an arm of the CPA is the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), which seeks to promote greater participation by women in all our Parliaments,” he noted. The Speaker was addressing a Commonwealth Day event organised by the Jamaica Houses of Parliament and CPA Jamaica Branch at Kingston High School. Students joined a Commonwealth Day debate on the motion: ‘This House believes that the Commonwealth is still relevant to 21st century Jamaica’. The most important outcome of the event was that the activity was, The Speaker later met with the winners of the Commonwealth for the most part, self-directed and engaged by an audience of over Day Debate – Chanice Henry, Paris Rogers and Kiara Weston along 100 students who would not otherwise have been exposed to material with the Principal of Kingston High School, Andrea Gray Dwyer. The about the Commonwealth. Key messages of the shared values of the debate was also attended by the Clerk of the , Commonwealth and sustainable national development were also Heather Cooke and the Deputy Clerk, Valrie Curtis. highlighted.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA New Zealand Branch The Speaker of the House at the Parliament of New Zealand, Rt Hon. , MP welcomed the Governor-General of New Zealand, Her Excellency Rt Hon. Dame to the Banquet hall at Parliament House on Commonwealth Day 2020 on 9 March 2020. The Governor-General delivered The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message and also highlighted on the New Zealand theme for this year, ‘A Sustainable Future’, a message reflected by the Speaker when he read out the New Zealand Prime Minister’s message. He spoke about how technology is bringing the Commonwealth closer together than ever before, and the need for New Zealand to be kaitiaki (guardians) for the smaller Pacific Commonwealth neighbours in this environmental climate. Following the speeches, the Governor-General met the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, HE Mr Leasi Papali’i Tommy Scanlan, High Commissioner of Samoa to New Zealand previous Commonwealth Youth Parliaments, Eva Maffey, Jasper before she met other High Commissioners, Members of Parliament James and Sarah Gwynn were also involved in the Commonwealth and invited guests. The New Zealand representatives from three Day celebrations and it was attended by local school children.

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Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Northern Territory Branch The Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory acknowledges Commonwealth Day by displaying the flags of the Commonwealth in the main hall of the Assembly for the month of March. In addition, the Legislative Assembly’s Parliamentary Education Service coordinated a week-long programme with Government House to celebrate Commonwealth Day. At Parliament House, students undertook a five-stage activity focusing on the 2020 theme of Commonwealth Day, the history of the Commonwealth, along with a snapshot of the broad range of countries across the globe who adhere to the values of the Commonwealth. In addition, students visited Government House and participated in a tour of the historic building and learnt about the role of the Administrator of the in the programme. Many of the participating students indicated Northern Territory. During Commonwealth week, 470 students from ancestry to other Commonwealth countries or having been born in nine different schools across Darwin and Palmerston participated a Commonwealth country other than Australia.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Pakistan Branch The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with the National Assembly of Pakistan, held a special seminar on ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating and Transforming’ to mark Commonwealth Day 2020. The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Hon. Assad Qaiser addressed the seminar and spoke about the importance of the Commonwealth in promoting international cooperation. He said: “We face many challenges in the world, in which the coronavirus has become a major threat to the world. We can all be determined to meet all these challenges together.” The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan highlighted the gender pay gap campaign #EachforEqual and the role of Parliamentarians in combatting climate change at the Commonwealth Day 2020 seminar in Pakistan. Other speakers at the seminar including: Hon. Syed Fakhar Imam, MNA, who emphasised that South Asian countries need to work hard on human development; Executive Director, PIPS, Mr Muhammad Anwar spoke about their work Secretary at the National Assembly of Pakistan spoke about the in bringing Parliaments together and connecting them; and CPA different and diverse parliamentary practices in the Commonwealth Regional Secretary for the CPA Asia Region, Shamoon Hashmi, Joint and wider CPA network.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Gibraltar Branch The Deputy Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Hon. Dr Joseph Garcia, MP, who is the Minister with responsibility for relations with the Commonwealth, gave a Commonwealth Day 2020 address in which he outlined that Gibraltar intends to take ‘full advantage’ of opportunities in the Commonwealth. Dr Garcia said: “This is the first Commonwealth Day with Gibraltar outside the European Union. In that context, it is perfectly logical that we should look to increase our level of engagement with the Commonwealth and its institutions going forward. The message this Commonwealth Day has to be that as one door has closed, other doors have opened for Gibraltar.”

With thanks to CPA Branches for sharing their Commonwealth Day 2020 news. Please email [email protected] with your news stories and images for future issues of The Parliamentarian.

162 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA St Helena Branch Commonwealth Day 2020 was celebrated on St Helena with an assembly held at Prince Andrew School on Monday 9 March 2020 on the Commonwealth Day theme of ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’. The assembly was led by Head Teacher, Penny Bowers, and Student Council President, Colby Thomas, who read the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s message, and the Vice-President of the School’s Student Council, Kelly Yon, who read the Commonwealth Affirmation. Children’s Champion, Councillor Derek Thomas, delivered a short speech and said: “This year’s theme was chosen because the governments and people of our diverse family – 54 Commonwealth countries – connect at many levels through extensive and deep- rooted networks of friendship and goodwill. Together the countries and people of the Commonwealth tackle climate change and its impacts. We work to find sustainable ways of using the natural resources of our planet, its land and ocean, so that our environment is protected. In support of this planning for the future, our long-term vision for St Helena by 2050 is for St Helena to be dynamic, forward and outward looking.” The Governor of St Helena, Dr Philip Rushbrook, read The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message and, following the assembly, the Speaker of Legislative Council, John Cranfield, raised the Commonwealth Flag as part of the ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth’ initiative. Commonwealth Day assemblies were also held at the three Island Primary Schools and were attended by Elected Members.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA Scotland Branch Although no formal events were held, the Scottish Parliament marked Commonwealth Day 2020 with the flying of the Commonwealth Flag outside of the Parliament building and a social media campaign to highlight the close Commonwealth links between Scotland and many Commonwealth countries and some of the CPA work that MSPs had been involved in over the year. In addition, the CPA Scotland Branch Executive Committee worded a Parliamentary Motion, which was lodged by Hon. Margaret Mitchell, MSP, and this was signed by MSPs from across the Parliament.

Commonwealth Day 2020: CPA UK Branch To mark Commonwealth Day 2020, the CPA UK Branch facilitated a debate in the UK House of Commons on the Commonwealth in 2020, where several Members commended the work of CPA. The debate was led by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Rt Hon. James Duddridge, MP (a former CPA UK Branch Chairperson) and 27 Members of Parliament spoke in the debate. In addition, several members of the CPA UK Branch Executive Committee and CPA UK staff attended the Commonwealth Day Observance Service in Westminster Abbey along with the CPA UK Branch’s Joint Presidents, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker.

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 163 REFLECTIONS ON 25 YEARS WORKING WITH THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION REFLECTIONS ON 25 YEARS WORKING WITH THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

The Deputy Chief Executive of the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association looks back over 25 years working with CPA and the wider international parliamentary community.

This year, I am celebrating 900 years of history on which for the most part are highly 25 years working for CPA to ponder as the sun shines motivated, principled, obliging UK. It sounds like a long time through the stained-glass and consummate hard workers. – particularly as some of my windows – and it has already For example current and recent younger colleagues were not been a good start to the day. former Members of CPA UK’s even born when I started working In common with me, Executive Committee, like here – but I can genuinely say it many Commonwealth Roberta Blackman-Woods, has flown by. I am certainly the Parliamentarians want to learn Maria Miller, David Hanson, ‘old’ (and hopefully wise) one about the UK parliamentary Lord (George) Foulkes and in the office. It does help being experience. The building is Lord (Alan) Haselhurst have Helen Haywood able to take the long view in iconic and its history rich - but invested huge amounts of time, is the Deputy Chief recognising when innovation the debates, the questions, effort and personal integrity Executive of the and freshness can improve the scrutiny, the comment and into strengthening the CPA, what you do, but also bringing the political manoeuvrings are leveraging its potential and UK Branch of the some historical context from an perennially fascinating. When promoting it as a force for good. Commonwealth organisation which has remained meeting Commonwealth visitors The other significant Parliamentary a fixture of parliamentary life for to the UK, my common refrain is motivation in my job is Association. She has over 100 years. that there is always something working with a wide range of I started working for CPA UK interesting going on at Commonwealth countries and held a number of in 1995. Newly out of University I Westminster. Currently, it is the territories, with their enormous other posts throughout was looking to move to London common challenge of holding diversity and yet with so much in her career with CPA – but I had no clear idea what the Executive to account during common and so much to learn UK. I wanted to do. Sitting in my a time of global pandemic. from each other. I have visited parents’ kitchen in Yorkshire in Before that it was ‘Brexit’, many fascinating and beautiful northern England – I remember when all eyes were on Commonwealth countries over it well – I spotted a small advert Westminster and everyone the last quarter of a century, for in their national daily newspaper became experts on which I am the envy of friends for an interesting-sounding job parliamentary practice and and family. I have been lucky in the UK Houses of Parliament. procedure. The Westminster enough to attend CPA Annual I rang the number – and here I expenses scandal was a am 25 years later. Okay, there landmark event and a catalyst “ It does help being was a bit more to it than that, but for significant change in UK it really was one of those fateful parliamentary culture. The able to take the long moments on which life pivots. reputation of politicians in the view in recognising Lots of people start out UK was permanently damaged in similar circumstances, but by exposure of some dreadful when innovation and they do not stay for 25 years. behaviour, corruption and freshness can improve So why did I? For a start, illegal activity. Although it what you do, but working in Westminster is was a watershed moment forever interesting. If you are a bringing in a new generation also bringing some current affairs addict like me, of UK Parliamentarians, they historical context from walking into the UK Parliament have to defend themselves every morning and seeing the against ongoing negative an organisation which newsmakers walking through preconceptions. has remained a fixture the corridors is always exciting. Personally, I have huge I then walk into the medieval respect for the Parliamentarians of parliamentary life for Westminster Hall – with its with whom I have worked, who over 100 years.”

164 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 REFLECTIONS ON 25 YEARS WORKING WITH THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION

has increased as Britain negotiates its exit from the European Union; although planning CPA activities outside Westminster when there is no working majority is problematic. International cooperation is always important, but recent events make it even more so. I think the balance of change and continuity has been at the heart of my career longevity. Although many would not associate Westminster and the CPA with change, the place I work today is beyond recognition from 25 years ago – notwithstanding the Conferences in Uganda, Andrew Tuggey was the driving and Mediterranean Region immutability of Westminster Bangladesh and Tanzania, force behind a big step change Commonwealth Women Hall. That goes for CPA UK itself CPA Regional Conferences for the organisation, recognising Parliamentarians, where the and Westminster more widely. in Guernsey (my first) and the its potential in the field of network is very active, insightful For example, in 1995 less than Falkland Islands (my most parliamentary strengthening, and and responsive. I really 10% of UK MPs were women. recent), and other multilateral leading CPA UK’s restructuring enjoy working with people – Today is it 34%, and for me they and bilateral activities in the and growth. Jon Davies has Parliamentarians, activists and are some of the most dynamic Pacific, Australia, South Asia, brought fantastic knowledge, academics - who are influential and inspirational MPs. The India, Africa and the Caribbean. insight and diplomacy from in ensuring that women’s growth of the UK Parliament’s I really cannot think of a place his Foreign Office career and representation remains a digital capability has also been I have visited which has not continues to lead innovative priority issue. significant, improving our ability been incredibly rewarding – work delivered by a talented, I have also experienced to reach further, work faster and giving me glimpses of richly enthusiastic and valued quite a few elections, both to innovate in how we engage diverse cities, cultures, climates workforce. They are all men - in the UK and around the with stakeholders. Throughout, and landscapes. I have been CPA UK Branch has never had Commonwealth – more in CPA UK has kept pace and party to discussions on human a woman at its helm – but it has recent years than expected. stayed relevant. It has provided rights in Cameroon, access to employed a range of impressive Elections are always a me with a rich and varied EU markets in Namibia, good and inspirational women. I have period of renewal, and one career, with challenge, interest governance in the Cayman learned a great deal from many of the reasons why the CPA and reward. I did not expect Islands, restorative justice in wonderful colleagues, and they remains relevant. People have to be here after 25 years, but Rwanda, peacebuilding in Sri have inevitably influenced my often asked what different I am pleased to be. I hope my Lanka, misinformation and decision to continue working at governments and Parliaments contribution has helped to fake news in Guernsey – the CPA UK. have meant for my work, and strengthen democracy across list goes on. There is always Some of the most rewarding it has been interesting to the Commonwealth, and that common ground and shared work I have done is with women observe how differences in CPA UK will continue to do so values, and an enthusiasm to Parliamentarians and with foreign policy translate into how for years to come. Whether I am share experiences and explore the Commonwealth Women UK Parliamentarians engage part of that, or not, remains to pathways to positive change. Parliamentarians (CWP) network. with the CPA. For example, be seen. I should also mention the For me this work started in East interest in the Commonwealth fantastic cast of CPA UK Branch Africa working with women’s colleagues with whom I have caucuses KEWOPA in Kenya, Right: Rt Hon. Lord worked over the years. I have TWPG in Tanzania and UWOPA Foulkes of Cumknock, served under four CPA UK in Uganda. It was inspiring Vice-Chairperson Branch Secretaries (now Chief and rewarding to facilitate of the CPA UK Executive) starting with Peter constructive interactions Branch Executive Cobb, OBE who retired shortly between female agents of Committee presents after I started. His successor, change from different parts of Helen Haywood with Andrew Pearson, was hugely the world. Today, I am much recognition of her 25 supportive and gave me my involved in the excellent years working for the first management opportunity. work of the British Islands CPA UK Branch.

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International Women’s Day 2020: Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians highlight gender equality and women’s representation in Parliaments Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) marked the Commonwealth Women International Women’s Day 2020 by highlighting the importance Parliamentarians (CWP) New of gender equality and the urgent need to increase women’s Zealand Joint Chairs, , representation in Parliaments. International Women’s Day (8th MP and , MP launched March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and the newly refurbished Women’s political achievements of women. The day also marked a call to Room at the Parliament of action for accelerating gender parity, with the theme of International New Zealand at an event attended Women’s Day 2020 calling for a more gender-balanced world and by the New Zealand Prime Minister, the difference individuals can make - #EachForEqual. Rt Hon, Jacinda Arden, Deputy To mark International Women’s Day 2020, the CWP Speaker, Hon. MP Chairperson, Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan (Pakistan) released a and the CWP Alumni Initiative video message online in which she highlighted the CWP’s work Champion, Dr Lesley Clarke. in women’s representation across the Commonwealth and The CWP Jersey Branch Chair, Deputy Jess Perchard representing women’s voices in Commonwealth Parliaments. hosted an International Women’s Day event in St Helier with To view the CWP Chairperson’s video message please visit Parliamentarians and local women’s organisations on the theme www.cpahq.org/cpahq/iwd. of ‘changing the narrative’. The CWP also released their annual review to coincide with Women Parliamentarians and Commonwealth High International Women’s Day which provides a review of CWP Commissioners also attended a high-level panel discussion activities across the Commonwealth during the past 12 months. hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians across the nine regions House in London, UK at which the Commonwealth Secretary- of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association celebrated General, Rt Hon. Patricia Scotland, QC spoke about gender International Women’s Day 2020 with a wide range of events and equality in the workforce and closing the gender pay gap for activities. For example, ahead of International Women’s Day 2020, women in the Commonwealth.

CWP Alumni Champion promotes initiative on visit to the New Zealand Parliament The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Alumni Initiative champion, Dr Lesley Clark has been promoting the alumni initiative during a visit to New Zealand. Lesley Clark attended the International Women’s Day 2020 celebration breakfast at the Parliament of New Zealand Parliament in Wellington to relaunch the refurbished NZ Suffrage Room. “It was a privilege to attend this event alongside the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. and so many current and former women MPs. New Zealand was the first country in the world to give women the right to vote in 1893 and the Suffrage Room documents the inspiring history of women’s political participation in New Zealand, which now has 49 women in their Parliament, comprising 40% of MPs,” Lesley Clark said. During her visit, the CWP Alumni Champion also had a lunch meeting with the CWP New Zealand Co-Chairs, Jo Hayes, MP and Louisa Wall, MP and made a presentation on the CWP Alumni Initiative to former and current women Region Steering Committee as they continue to explore ways Members of Parliament. of progressing the CWP Alumni Initiative to meet the expressed “The CWP New Zealand Branch has a very active peer needs of Pacific women MPs.” mentoring program, as part of the work of the CWP for the The CWP Alumni Champion is available to meet with other wider Pacific Region, which currently supports women MPs in CWP Regional or Branch Steering Committees to discuss their Fiji, Tonga, Niue and the Cook Islands. Our discussions focused involvement with the CWP Alumni Initiative, either in person if on the contribution that former women MPs could make to the resources are available, or by video/phone link. Please contact current mentoring program, or other ways in which they could the CPA Headquarters Secretariat [email protected] to support serving women MPs. I look forward to supporting facilitate this. members of the CWP New Zealand Branch and the CWP Pacific

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CWP Pacific Region meet for Regional Conference in Niue to discuss effective political participation for women Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) from the Pacific Region met for their Regional Conference, from 24 to 28 February 2020 in Niue, to discuss gender equality and effective communication, with MPs attending from across the Region, led by CWP Pacific Regional Chair, Hon. Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki, MP (New Zealand). As one of the smallest jurisdictions in the Commonwealth, it was felt that this would be a special opportunity to have many of the Pacific Region’s women leaders visit Niue and to network with local women leaders. Niue is self-governing in free association with New Zealand and has followed a Westminster-style Legislature with a 20-member Guest speaker, Dr Karlo Mila, MNZM, is the programme Assembly. The Assembly currently has five women Members of director of the Mana Moana experience and is of Tongan, Parliament and a strong women’s parliamentary caucus/CWP Samoan and Palagi descent, who shared her poetry focusing on group, Matakau He Tau Ekepule Fifine Ha Niue with both current Pacific culture, heritage and worldview, including her poem for and former women MPs as well as women business, community the Commonwealth. and public-sector leaders who share the vision of gender equality. Regional updates from each CWP Branch gave delegates Delegates travelled from across the region – from the Cook the opportunity to share updates and progress on many issues Islands, Kiribati, Fiji, New Zealand, Nauru, Niue, Tonga, Tuvalu, including gender equality; women in leadership; international Solomon Islands, Samoa - and were welcomed by the Speaker instruments, violence and prevention, economic empowerment, of the Niue Legislative Assembly Togiavalu Pihigia, showing health, education, and decision-making. his support for the importance of male champions in increasing Delegates attended workshops on a wide range of topics women’s participation in politics. and the Regional Conference also included a visit to Niue High The CWP Pacific Chairperson spoke about the aims of the School to promote understanding of democratic governance Region in furthering the strategic intentions of women; carrying and increasing girls and women’s participation in leadership; out a review of women MPs’ communications and social media and a meeting with Niue-based senior women officials, business with some new tools for action; developing resolutions to take and civil society leaders. forward to the wider Parliamentary and interparliamentary The CWP Pacific Steering Committee members discussed community; continuing peer-to-peer and mentoring the challenges of international engagement and called for a relationships between women in the Region; looking at ways stronger commitment to ensuring gender-balanced delegations of fostering new relationships with experts, women of influence at CPA conferences. A key achievement of the Regional and young women leaders; developing mitigation strategies Conference was the establishment of a new CWP Pacific Region for bullying, harassment, and sexism; and advocating for best Facebook page. practice and codes of conduct in Parliaments.

Historic election in Kiribati as four women MPs voted into Parliament and first woman Speaker elected A recent election in Kiribati in the CWP Pacific Region has seen country’s first female Speaker of Parliament, former Opposition the election of four new women Parliamentarians – making Member, Tangariki Reete. Ms Reete is a former Minister of www.cpahq.org/cpahq/flickr . history with the highest number of women in the Parliament Women, Youth and Social Affairs and had entered politics in of Kiribati to date. This was followed by the election of the first 2008, in the footsteps of her father. In Kiribati, the Speaker of woman Speaker in Kiribati. the House does not need to be a Member of Parliament. Fourteen new MPs – including the four women MPs - were The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Pacific elected in Kiribati in the recent election which saw most of the Region has been working to strengthen the networks for Ministers in the current caretaker government keep their seats. women seeking election in the Pacific Region which has some The 44-seat Kiribati Parliament for 2020 will swear in all MPs for of the lowest levels of women’s representation in Parliaments. their first session in some months. One of the first acts of the new Kiribati Parliament was the election of the new Speaker. Members of Parliament voted in the For more images of CWP activities and events please visit

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CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference takes place in the Falkland Islands The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) British Islands and Mediterranean (BIM) Regional Conference, was hosted by the Falkland Islands Legislature and the CPA Falkland Branch in February 2020 and was attended by over twenty delegates. The CWP Regional Conference was opened in the Falkland’s capital, Stanley, by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Claudette Prior, MBE and were welcomed by Falkland Islands Member, Hon. Leona Roberts, MLA, a member of the CPA International Executive Committee. Delegates attended from Cyprus, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, Malta, Scotland, St Helena, . The conference was held at the Harbour Lights Cinema and delegates heard from local speakers from the Falkland Islands on subjects including combatting stereotypes at the Welsh Guard’s Memorial, attended a CPA Roadshow in small communities; gender-based violence; encouraging at the Falkland Islands Community School, as well as a women to stand for public office. session entitled ‘Mentoring of Women in Parliament’ by Hon. The visitors also had the opportunity to get to know more Samantha Sacramento, MP (Gibraltar) with guest speakers and about the Falklands itself with a visit to Fitzroy Farm to see the former Members of Parliament, Roberta Blackman-Woods (UK) resident sheep population and traditional farming methods. and Patricia Ferguson (Scotland). The final visit was to Bluff Delegates also attended a small service of Remembrance Cove to see the famous penguins in their natural habitat.

CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Region issue statement condemning gender- based violence Whilst women Parliamentarians from across the CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Region met in the Falkland Islands to learn and share experiences about breaking down gender stereotypes, especially in small communities, the CWP Regional Steering Committee also discussed the worrying prevalence of violence against women, including domestic abuse, sexual crimes and femicides. The CWP British Islands and Mediterranean Region have been proactive in discussing violence against women, with White Ribbon Day (the International Day for the Eradication of Violence against Women marked on 25 November) being a key date in the calendar to raise awareness. Several recent cases were highlighted including that of an alleged rape victim in Cyprus whose treatment within the criminal justice system raised concerns and sparked protests in Cyprus and other countries. In response, CWP members issued a statement, ahead of International Women’s Day 2020, which condemned failures of systems to protect many women, alarm at the number of cases across the region and a commitment to work together and with other organisations to protect women through legislation, scrutiny and awareness raising.

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THIRD READING REPORTS

Australia Federal Page 174

New Zealand Page 178

British Columbia Page 185

India Union Page 190

With thanks to our Parliamentary Report and Third Reading Commonwealth Parliaments’ legislative contributors: Paras Ramoutar (Parliament of Trinidad and responses to COVID-19 global pandemic Tobago); Stephen Boyd (Federal ); Dr Jayadev Sahu (Parliament of AUSTRALIA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SRI LANKA India); Gabrielle de Billy Brown Australia’s response to the Responses to COVID-19 in The Eighth Parliament of Sri (Federal Parliament of Canada); Coronavirus crisis Parliament Lanka is dissolved Luke Harris (Parliament of New Page 170 Page 176 Page 180 Zealand); Ravindra Garimella (Parliament of India); Neil Iddawala (Parliament of Sri UNITED KINGDOM CANADA INDIA Lanka); Katey Stickle (Legislative Coronavirus pandemic prompts Canadian Parliament’s response Discipline and decorum in Lok Assembly of British Columbia); procedural innovations to the COVID-19 pandemic Sabha and Michael Berry (Parliament of Page 182 Page 184 Page 187 the United Kingdom).

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AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS The Parliament of Australia the Great Depression. Life is Bank, $189 billion in economic pensioners and carers and the sat on 23 March and 8 April changing in Australia for every support, around 10% of the disabled, to provide a lifeline 2020 to pass critical legislation Australian. Life is going to size of our economy. The to small and medium-sized to support the economic continue to change. For many measures we have announced businesses. We will be working and social response to the - young and old - 2020 will be are focusing on those who are together with the banks - and I Coronavirus crisis. The Budget the toughest year of our lives.’ on the frontline, those who thank them also - to keep those which is normally delivered In relation to the economic will be feeling the first blows businesses afloat wherever in May was deferred until 6 support package passed of the economic impact of the possible, to keep as many October 2020. on 23 March 2020, the Coronavirus as it wreaks its employees as they can, but The sittings were a sombre Prime Minister advised that havoc. So we’ll supercharge with the pledge in our support occasion. The number of ‘yesterday, the Treasurer and our safety net - doubling, to them that when we pass Members and Senators in I announced an economic effectively, the jobseeker this virus, those businesses attendance was reduced and support package, a safety payment and allowing that have had to stand people they were spaced further apart net package, unprecedented Australians to draw on those down will stand them back up to observe social distancing. in our nation’s history in its resources they have put aside again on the other side. This Hand sanitizer was located scale and coverage. Measures for such a time as this - to will give them that assurance, through out the chambers. announced to date total some, support the most vulnerable give them that encouragement, The Prime Minister, Hon. together with the Reserve with additional payments to as they have to stand staff , MP, addressed the House stating that ‘we gather today at a time of great challenge for our nation and, indeed, the world. We are a strong nation and a strong people, but in the months ahead this will put us all to the test, as at no time like this since the Second World War. But together, Australia, we are up to this challenge. The Coronavirus that is sweeping the world will continue to change the way we live, but we must not allow it to change who we are as Australians. I know - we all know - that Australians are very concerned at this difficult time. It is the understandable fear of the unknown, and there is much that is not known about the Coronavirus, but we must not let that fear overtake us. We must focus instead on what we do know, what we can control.’ Mr Morrison outlined the gravity of the challenge commenting that ‘so, together, and with the rest of the world, we face this unprecedented challenge, a once-in-100- years event, a global health pandemic that has fast become an economic crisis the likes of which we have not seen since

170 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 AUSTRALIA down, commit to do all they some 313,000 tests for the virus Hon. , MP, done more and done it sooner.’ can on the other side to stand have been conducted across commented that ‘each day Clearly more can be done and them back up again. This is the Australia. This is more than we become more unnerved more should be done.’ unwritten contract that is being double the number since we and uncertain about where In relation to the undertaken between Australian last met.’ this is heading. But this is our government’s measure to allow employees and employers In relation to childcare new reality in a world partly early access to superannuation, as we speak, to provide also arrangements, Mr Morrison shut down by the COVID- Mr Albanese stated that ‘selling a legal shield to protect both stated that ‘we want those 19 pandemic - a reality that your super at the bottom of the businesses from closures and working with children, and joins us all together while, market will risk squandering individuals, to preserve our particularly our essential at the same time, forcing us people’s hard-earned economy and to boost our workers, to have confidence in to be physically apart. And retirement savings. It’s also the recovery on the other side.’ their childcare arrangements. it’s a reality growing more case that if the superannuation Following the measures The government is providing confronting by the day. Most industry is forced to sell assets introduced on 23 March business continuity payments of our lives have not been at the bottom of the market 2020, it became clear that to support childcare services directly affected by war, that is not sensible economics. the government would need to stay open. This means hunger or financial strife. They We say to the government that to do more to support the around one million Australian were stories our parents and we have been as supportive economy in the form of wage families will be able to receive grandparents told us. We as possible and we will not be subsidies. On 8 April 2020, free childcare. The investment listened to those stories and moving amendments where Mr Morrison stated that ‘since complements the more than $1 we pictured them in black and there is any doubt. We will give the Parliament last met, we billion the government expects white. We thought we were the benefit to the government. have taken many actions on the sector to receive through the lucky generations. We now We are not looking for many fronts. People coming the JobKeeper payment.’ face an enormous threat, and arguments; we are looking for back from overseas now have In relation to the it’s in colour. It is happening solutions. But, on some of these to self-isolate for 14 days in government’s wage subsidy right now. It is global. Fear measures, please listen to the a designated facility. The policy, Mr Morrison stated that and panic, of course, feed on arguments. Recognise that we, national Cabinet has further ‘today, we will put before the uncertainty and inconsistency on this side of the Parliament, tightened restrictions on Parliament our JobKeeper and, at the moment, those do represent, by the way, the public gatherings, and these package. JobKeeper will keep ingredients abound.’ largest political party in this are taking some time to get Australians in jobs and it will In relation to the Parliament - the largest. Our used to. We’ve expanded the keep the businesses that government’s legislative views should be taken into Coronavirus testing criteria employ those Australians in measures, Mr Albanese stated account even though we will, to include people with fever business, both now and into that ‘the legislation today is as we’ve said, vote for the or acute respiratory infection the future. The $130 billion not perfect. We would do more package if our amendments and under key categories. economic lifeline will provide and do it sooner, but we will are not successful. We’ve given Australians should be very payments of $1,500 per advance our arguments. This is that commitment. But I believe proud that we have one of the fortnight to an estimated six not a time to prevent measures we are right on that issue, most comprehensive testing million eligible workers through which, however imperfect, are and the government should regimes in the world. We have their employer.’ necessary to be implemented. consider alternative measures one of the highest rates of Mr Morrison concluded that We do need unity, and, above to put dollars in the pockets testing in the world. Today ‘we have a long way to go. all, we need resolute action. of low-income workers other Through the actions we have We cannot succumb to the than by doing it at the expense “The sittings taken to date, we have bought illusion that time is on our side. of the quality of life in their were a sombre Australia valuable time to It is not. We will get to tomorrow retirement.’ chart a way out over the next only if we respect the urgency On 8 April 2020, the Leader occasion. The six months. But there are no for action today. We need to be of the Opposition stated, in number of Members guarantees, and it could well clear and unequivocal. You’ve relation to the job keeper and Senators in take far longer. Our country will heard all the messages: stay support package, that ‘we look different on the other side, home, keep calm and wash have called for a wage subsidy attendance was but Australians will always be your hands. Make no mistake: for many weeks. We regard reduced and they Australians. We have navigated anything that feels like an the keeping of a relationship were spaced further the road in, and we can now overreaction right now isn’t. between employers and their see some encouraging signs. Let this be our rule: if we think employees as essential, to apart to observe We do stand in a place today we’re going to take action next minimise unemployment and social distancing. far better than most nations week, we should take that ensure that we can transition Hand sanitizer was around the world because of action today. The last thing we from this economic downturn the efforts of all Australians.’ want to do is to be looking back as quickly and as strongly as located through out On 23 March 2020, the on this time in the near future possible. I congratulate the the chambers.” Leader of the Opposition, and saying, ‘If only we had government on changing its

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view on wage subsidies since package was that over one resigned his position. At the course with the fires, with the we last met.’ million casual workers would party room meeting, another ongoing drought. I commend Mr Albanese stated that ‘I not be eligible for job keeper ally of Mr Joyce moved a spill as the newly recognise that many of the payments. motion against Mr McCormack elected Deputy Leader for the measures being advanced by which then brought on yet role that he has played this very the government to intervene New Deputy Leader of the another leadership contest worrying and troubling summer in the economy stand in National Party elected in the Australian Parliament. in drought, in bushfires, and direct contravention to their In the wake of the sports rorts Mr Joyce failed, and he and everything else that has beset rhetorical position over many scandal, the then Deputy Senator Canavan were both regional Australia.’ years, including, of course, Leader of the National Party, consigned to the backbench. Mr Littleproud stated that their opposition to much of the Senator Hon. Bridget McKenzie Unfortunately, the image of ‘this is about hope this is about economic stimulus program of resigned, and the National Australian politicians fighting vision for our people in regional the Rudd Labor government Party scheduled a meeting over the spoils of leadership and rural Australia. This is that protected Australians for 4 February 2020 to elect a continues. about now back to business. through the global financial new Deputy Leader. However, For the vacant deputy The shenanigans are over. crisis. Australians can feel the former Leader of the position, the then Minister for It’s time to get back to looking comfort that the government Nationals, Hon. , Water Resources, Drought, after those people that are has been prepared to act in MP, thought that the meeting Rural Finance, Natural Disaster facing drought, that are faced a way which, I’m sure, makes would be a good opportunity and Emergency Management, up to these fires. It’s time for us it feel uncomfortable. They to challenge the current Leader Hon. David Littleproud, MP, to focus on them, not us. The deserve credit for listening to of the National Party and was elected as the new Deputy party has to focus on that. We the views of Labor, unions and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Leader of the National Party. will, we’ve got a commitment the business community on Michael McCormack, MP. The Following the leadership from everybody in that room the wage subsidy issue. Even timing was highly criticised contest, Mr McCormack stated that we have a responsibility though we have concerns because on the same day, the that ‘well, it’s a great honour and as being elected from regional about some elements of the Parliament of Australia was a privilege to continue to serve and rural Australia to stand package and would like to see dedicating condolences to the as the Leader of the National up here in Canberra to be it improved, and we will make summer bushfires. Party … Never, never before has able to articulate clearly their suggestions to improve it, we Prior to the 4 February there been such an important needs and their wants and will support the legislation meeting, the then Minister time for the National Party to their desires because regional even if our suggestions are not for Resources and Northern continue the representation and rural Australia has a great adopted.’ Mr Albanese noted Australia, Senator Hon. Matthew we have done for 100 years. future.’ that a key concern about the Canavan, an ally of Mr Joyce, The challenge is there, of

Left: The ‘modern’ Speaker’s Chair in the House of Representatives in the Parliament of Australia has been in use since the new Parliament Buildings were opened in 1988.

A historic Speaker’s Chair can also be found in Old Parliament House that was in use between 1926 and 1988 and was presented to the Australian Parliament by the United Kingdom Branch of the then Empire Parliamentary Association (later the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association). This historic Speaker’s Chair was a replica of the Speaker’s Chair in the House of Commons at Westminster.

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New Ministerial Arrangements the Hon. , MP, will stated that with ‘two honours of my life. But my The Prime Minister, Hon. Scott come into the Assistant Ministry government Members to boys are nine and 11 years old Morrison, MP, announced where he will be the Assistant choose from, I’m pleased to now and they’ve only ever new Ministerial arrangements Minister to the Deputy Prime see that government Members known their dad as a busy and following the leadership Minister.’ received the full confidence tired, and sometimes grumpy, changes in the National Party. of all Members of the House… politician. They are growing The new Deputy Leader of Election of new Deputy There is no shortage of up quickly and I want to spend the Nationals, Hon. David Speaker government Members in more time by their side.’ He Littleproud, MP, takes on the Hon. Kevin Hogan, MP, of the this House to ensure that we also placed his wife ahead of role of Minister for Agriculture National Party, was elected as continue to deliver on the his career stating, ‘my wife has in addition to his other the Deputy Speaker at the start promises we made to the been a huge support for me in portfolios of drought and of the Parliament. However, Australian people.’ my career and I want to be able emergency management. The when the new Ministerial The Leader of the Opposition, to support her in her career.’ Prime Minister stated that ‘the arrangements were announced Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, Senator Di Natale has been a Hon. , MP, will on 6 February 2020, Mr Hogan stated that ‘no amount of Senator for since 2010. be entering Cabinet, but he will was appointed to the Ministry marketing or spin can hide the continue to do the wonderful which created a vacancy for humiliation for the government New Leader of the Australian and outstanding job he’s been the Deputy Speaker. In Liberal/ from that ballot. I congratulate Greens elected doing as Minister for Veterans National Party Governments, the Member for Wide Bay on On 4 February 2020, Mr Adam Affairs and Minister for Defence the position of Deputy Speaker receiving such strong support Bandt, MP, was elected the Personnel. I’m advised that this is usually allocated to a from his colleagues in the new leader of the Australian is the first time Veteran Affairs member of the National Party. House of Representatives. I Greens following Senator has been back in Cabinet The Deputy Speaker is elected asked a question earlier today; Richard Di Natale’s resignation. since the late Ben Humphreys on the floor of the House. indeed, it was the first question In 2010, Mr Bandt was the in 1993. And I think that sends On 9 February 2020, Mr Llew of question time, which went to first member of the Greens a strong message about our O’Brien, MP, resigned from the stability of the government. to be elected to the House of commitment to veterans in this the Nationals in protest over I think we’ve just seen the Representatives. Upon taking government. The Hon. Keith the party’s failure to elect Hon. stability of the on the leadership, Mr Bandt first Pitt, MP, will take on the role Barnaby Joyce, MP, as Leader full view for everyone to see; thanked Senator Di Natale and enter Cabinet as Minister in a failed leadership attempt government Members running for his contribution. In setting for Resources, Water and on 4 February. Although, against each other for a the agenda, Mr Bandt stated Northern Australia, highlighting importantly, Mr O’Brien advised position of Deputy Speaker of that ‘we are in the middle of a again the importance of all of that he was retaining his the House of Representatives. climate emergency and long those portfolio matters and Queensland Liberal/National For the Prime Minister to stand running jobs and inequality their presence around the status and would attend up and to say that this was crises. People are angry Cabinet table. The Hon. Mark combined party meetings. On somehow a win.’ and anxious because the Coulton, MP, will continue to 10 February 2020, an election The Deputy Prime Minister government has no plan for serve as a Minister, as Minister for the Deputy Speaker took and Leader of the Nationals, the big problems facing the for Regional Health, Regional place with the government Hon. Michael McCormack, MP, country. That is why Australia Communications and Local nominating their chosen congratulated Mr O’Brien and needs a Green New Deal. Government. The Hon. Mr candidate, Nationals Member, concluded ‘that’s democracy.’ A Green New Deal means , MP, will come Mr , MP. In a government leading the into the Ministry as Minister surprise move, the Labor Party Leader of the Australian country in transforming our for Regional Education, nominated Mr O’Brien for the Greens retires economy, creating new jobs Decentralisation and Minister position of Deputy Speaker and On 3 February 2020, the and industries powered by assisting the Minister for a secret ballot was held with Mr Leader of the Australian clean energy and delivering Trade and Investment. The O’Brien victorious with 75 votes Greens, Senator Richard Di universal services like dental Hon. , MP, to 67. It was an embarrassing Natale announced that he into Medicare and genuinely will continue to serve as an defeat for the Prime Minister, would step down as leader free education. This is what I Assistant Minister for Children Hon. Scott Morrison, MP, and of the and will be fighting for. We are a and Families and will also demonstrated the level of leave Parliament after serving smart and wealthy country and serve as Assistant Minister for dissent and lack of unity within as Leader for almost five years. if we have the guts to take on Northern Australia. And you the Liberal/National coalition. He cited family reasons for the big corporations and the won’t find a stronger champion It is estimated that five votes his departure. Senator De weak politicians they have in than Michelle Landry other came from the government Natale stated that ‘it’s not a their pockets, we can solve the than , for northern benches to give Mr O’Brien decision I have come to lightly, problems we face.’ Australia, when it comes to victory. because leading this incredible ensuring the needs of northern The Prime Minister, in movement for nearly five years Australia are addressed. And congratulating Mr O’Brien has been one of the biggest

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Frydenberg stated that ‘the sector is facing an unprecedented and sustained period of falling international and domestic aviation demand. The government will provide $715 million to support the aviation industry as it grapples with these challenges. The Bill will refund aviation fuel excise and refund or waive charges levied by Air Services Australia on domestic airline operations. The Bill also includes funding to reimburse domestic and regional aviation security charges. The provisions will apply to charges paid by domestic airlines since 1 February 2020, providing an upfront benefit of $159 million to our airlines to provide immediate relief.’ The government decided to allow Coronavirus Economic and Social • households, through two separate $750 people to have early release of their Response Legislation - Part One payments to social security, veteran superannuation. Mr Frydenberg stated On 23 March 2020, the Australian Parliament and other income support recipients that ‘we’re establishing a new temporary sat for one day to pass emergency legislation and eligible concession card holders compassionate ground of early release in response to the Coronavirus crisis. The - around half of whom are pensioners; of superannuation for individuals and Treasurer, Hon. , MP, and a new time limited Coronavirus sole traders impacted by the economic presented eight Bills which were then supplement of $550 per fortnight to consequences of the Coronavirus. This will debated in cognate. Mr Frydenberg stated new and existing jobseeker payment, allow impacted individuals to access up to that ‘the Bills I introduce today represent youth allowance jobseeker, parenting $10,000 of their superannuation, tax free in the most significant set of measures to payment, farm household allowance 2019-20, and up to a further $10,000 in 2021. support the Australian community and the and special benefit recipients. For the Applications must be made within six months Australian economy outside of wartime. period of the Coronavirus supplement, of of this legislation and will be We confront an enemy without a flag or a there will be expanded access to these able to be made online via the myGov portal.’ face, and we are deploying every weapon income support payments and faster Mr Frydenberg concluded that ‘these in our arsenal to defeat it. This is a Team claims processing. are extraordinary times demanding Australia moment, and we call upon all • cashflow assistance to help small and extraordinary measures, and I thank the sections of the Australian community to join medium size businesses to stay in opposition for facilitating the passage of in this struggle. The measures in these Bills business, keep their employees and these Bills through the Parliament.’ represent a decisive and unprecedented retain apprentices and trainees. Senator Hon. , Deputy response to the economic challenges posed • investment support to 3½ million eligible Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, by the Coronavirus. The global and domestic businesses employing 9.7 million confirmed that Labor would be supporting economic environment has deteriorated. We Australians, by lifting the instant asset the Coronavirus legislative response now expect the economic shock from the write-off threshold to $150,000 until 30 package. Senator Keneally stated ‘now Coronavirus to be deeper, to be wider and June 2020, and by providing a 15-month is not the time to stand in the way of this to be longer. Our response, totalling $189 investment incentive by accelerating package of measures, because Australians billion, or around 10% of GDP, will provide depreciation reductions; and need support now ... There are reports that the hope and support millions of Australians • support for regions and communities 88,000 people in hospitality alone have lost need at this difficult time.’ that have been disproportionately their jobs over the last few days and another The Treasurer stated that ‘the Coronavirus affected, including those heavily 200,000 more could be lost in the next Economic Response Package Omnibus reliant on industries such as tourism, 12 weeks. That is some 280,000 people Bill 2020 is designed to keep Australians in agriculture and education. This is without a pay packet. That’s the equivalent jobs and businesses in business, and build a decisive response and it will put of the MCG [Melbourne Cricket Ground] a bridge to the recovery. These measures Australia in the strongest possible filled almost three times.’ are consistent with our principles. They position to secure our economy and In relation to health and emergency are targeted, they are temporary, they are return to strong and inclusive growth services personnel, Senator Keneally stated scalable, and they are based on our existing once the health challenge of the that ‘nurses, doctors, anaesthetists, aged- tax and transfer system.’ Mr Frydenberg Coronavirus has been overcome. care workers and disability workers are explained that the package of Bills targets showing up to work to fight the Coronavirus four key areas including: In relation to the aviation industry, Mr and protect some of the most vulnerable

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in our community from it. Australian Border Force officers are enforcing border THIRD READING: AUSTRALIA measures. Our state and territory police forces are also playing an integral and Hon. Josh Frydenberg, MP, stated that ‘this proposed in Australia by the Labor Party ever-increasing role. We thank them for their Bill introduces a $130 billion JobKeeper and by the labour movement, drawing on dedication and sacrifice, for the fact they package to keep businesses in business experience overseas. For more than a week are risking their health and wellbeing for the and Australians in a job. This is the single the government said it was impractical wider Australian community.’ biggest rescue package that our nation and unworkable, and that they wouldn’t Senator Keneally commented that has ever seen. It is anticipated that over the be going down this path - a week wasted Labor is working constructively with the next six months the JobKeeper payment will on politics as usual, shooting down an government to address the crisis but will support the jobs and livelihoods of around idea because of where it came from and hold the government to account where six million Australians, many of whom will who proposed it. That kind of thinking is necessary. Senator Keneally stated that need this critical economic lifeline. I’m frustrating and corrosive at the best of ‘Labor is concerned that the government’s pleased to note to the House that, despite times, but at times of crisis it is downright latest response has not substantially these major spending pressures, Standard destructive. So, naturally, we welcome the addressed some of the gaps we identified in & Poor’s has reaffirmed today Australia’s government’s change of heart on wage the original stimulus and it raises additional AAA credit rating.’ subsidies. It is not just a victory for the labour concerns, which we will work through The Treasurer stated that ‘extraordinary movement; it is a victory for all of those who with the government. Foremost amongst times call for extraordinary measures and send us here to represent their interests.’ these concerns: there is no substantial this new $1,500 a fortnight payment will The Leader of the Australian Greens, Mr support to protect jobs and no guarantee provide job security at a time when it is Adam Bandt, MP, commented that ‘in many that businesses receiving support will needed most. This is a level of support respects I think the government has made keep workers on. We are also gravely like this country has never, ever seen some significant steps that I never expected concerned that the Coronavirus supplement before. The $1,500 flat payment is the this government would make, but it is clear may not be available for some Australian equivalent of about 70% of the median that in other respects they have had to families struggling to put food on the table, wage and represents about 100% of the be dragged there. There was advocacy particularly given there has been no change median wage in some of the most heavily from the Greens and community groups to the income test.’ affected sectors, such as retail, hospitality that means in some states we now have Labor’s most serious concern about and tourism. It will be available to full-time eviction bans for renters. This was because the package was the early release of and part-time workers, sole traders and, of Greens amendments that passed New superannuation. Senator Keneally stated in the case of casuals, to those who have South Wales and Tasmanian Parliaments.’ that ‘drawing from superannuation should been with their employer for 12 months or Mr Bandt stated that the ‘the largest only be done as a measure of last resort. If more and importantly will apply to the many group being left to languish are renters. The people are at that point now as a result of Australians working in the not-for-profit government are bending over backwards to coronavirus, it is a sign that the government sector. Combined with the government’s secure the rights of landlords and property must do more to help them. We should previous actions, this totals $320 billion owners. They are working hard to find a not be encouraging people to draw from or 16.4% of GDP in economic support to pathway for commercial arrangements their superannuation at the bottom of the Australian businesses, households and to continue, even when commercial land market. In addition, charities, food banks individuals affected by the coronavirus to value right now is reduced to zero. But and organisations that provide essential get them through to the other side and to what about a roof over someone’s head? services to vulnerable Australians really put Australia in the best position possible to What about the human right to housing? need more substantial support. We cannot bounce back stronger than ever.’ The government, it seems, couldn’t care ignore the absence of a coordinated whole- The Shadow Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, less. The issue keeps slipping off the of-economy plan and the lack of sufficient MP, commented that ‘the immediate national cabinet agenda. We heard a proud support and planning for essential and economic priority is triage. The wage announcement today how far advanced strategic industries - like the airline industry, subsidies in these Bills, which are all about the Cabinet is on a code for commercial the childcare sector and the arts.’ maintaining the link between employers tenants but still nothing for residents. People and workers, are important in that regard, are being evicted right now, people are Coronavirus Economic Response along with additional support deployed being threatened with eviction right now Legislation – Part Two fast enough and in sufficient quantities to and it keeps going in the too-hard basket. On 8 April 2020, the Australian Parliament prevent business closures, to protect jobs, Unless the government acts and acts in the sat again to pass further response measures to support the vulnerable and to prevent a next couple of days, this will reach crisis to the Coronavirus pandemic. These bad quarter or two becoming a lost year or proportion. This must be a matter of priority measures focused on supporting jobs two, or worse.’ to ensure that there is a national eviction and maintaining a connection between Dr Chalmers noted that ‘the core of the ban and that there are rental holidays for employees and employers. The Treasurer, legislation we are considering here was first those who need them.’

The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 | 175 PARLIAMENTARY REPORT TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO PARLIAMENTARY REPORTS FROM TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Trinidad appoints Road prevent severe damage of the Trinidad to release 388 low-risk “We are still very firm that Recovery team post-COVID-19 economic and social systems prisoners because of COVID-19 serious offences, especially Two former Trinidad and over the medium term,” the The Trinidad and Tobago the possession of a firearm, Tobago Finance Ministers have Prime Minister told the media. Attorney-General, Faris Al-Rawi automatic weapons and formed a group of 20 business, At the same time, he said, the has announced that some weapons of war are seriously corporate, civic and labour populace must be encouraged 388 low-risk prisoners will be circumscribed,” he said. He said team leaders to develop the to think what they must do released from prison to assist that those on remand, who are ‘Road to Recovery Team - Post- differently, once the ‘Stay at in the overcrowding of the awaiting bail, will be brought COVID-19’ Plan. Home’ order is relaxed given nation’s prisons. He told the before the court to get bail and The Prime Minister of Trinidad that health and behavioural media that only non-violent those who get bail for minor and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley patterns will need to change. criminals, convicted of minor offences, but could not get said that the team would Admitting that in the medium crimes, will be released. “We bail, will also be considered for begin to work immediately to to long-term, it would include will not release those charged release. define an economic and social increasing Government with blood crimes. The court strategy following the nation’s efficiency by reducing will hear from all aspects of the COVID-19 causes stress to the lock down in the wake of the bureaucracy, while government alleged crime and the crimes. Trinidad 2020 budget COVID-19 pandemic. spending in relation to returns The victim’s voice will be heard The 2020 Budget Plans for Former Finance Ministers, would also be required as and factored into the courts Trinidad and Tobago are now Winston Dookeran and the pandemic exposed many decisions.” being recalibrated because Wendell Mottley, are also on frailties in the economy. The Attorney-General said of the impact of the COVID- the team and the team’s remit The Prime Minister pointed that the release will be done 19 pandemic, the Minister of is to complete their initial report out that according to the World in a controlled manner taking Finance, Colm Imbert told the by the end of May 2020. Bank’s Semi-Annual Report into account the input of the first Trinidad Parliament held in The Prime Minister will chair on the Latin America and Commissioner of Police, Director around six weeks. the team with the Minister of Caribbean Region, Trinidad and of Public Prosecutions, Court The Finance Minister pointed Public Utilities, Robert Le Hunte Tobago was more prepared Registrar, Public Defenders’ out that both COVID-19 and the and Professor Gerry Brooks for the crisis than most of its Division and the Chief Justice. crash in oil prices have ignited serving as Vice-Chairs. The Caribbean counterparts, adding He pointed out that the the 2020 Budget deficit from Prime Minister said that the that proper planning for life Commissioner of Police and the TT$5.3 billion to TT$15.5 billion. important first step in developing after COVID-19 needed to be Director of Public Prosecution The country’s fiscal deficit for the recovery roadmap must thoroughly considered. will provide victim impact 2020, which was originally set at be to identify and analyse the “In view of the lessons learnt statements for all cases, and that TT$5.3 billion, is now projected constraints that will continue from COVID-19, the deficiencies only low risk criminals will be to reach TT$15.5 billion, some to exist for some time. He said and structural rigidities in the considered for release. These TT$10.2 billion higher. “In that a potential social and economy must be examined as include traffic offenders, failure calculating the revised budget economic reboot would have the basis for remodelling and to pay child’s maintenance, deficit, the Government noted to be implemented, following a creating a new economy,” he obscene language, possession that the collapses of the recent readiness assessment overseen added. of marijuana (less than 30 oil prices to one US cent per by the Chief Medical Officer of Meanwhile, the President of grammes) and the cultivation of barrel.” Health, Dr Roshan Parasram and the Supermarket Association, marijuana. With the projected TT$9.2 health experts, which could state Rajiv Diptee said because of The Attorney-General said billion revenue loss, the non-essential businesses and COVID-19, grocery prices will that the government had come government estimates a loss institutions re-open first. continue to skyrocket. “People up with a concept paper having of TT$3.8 billion in taxes on “There is a continuing need always assume that it’s the looked at what was being done incomes and profits, and to prioritise limited resources to supermarkets are that raising in prisons in other CARICOM losses of TT$750 million from protect economically vulnerable prices, but there has been a countries and in Europe and the the Business Levy and Green groups and support those plethora of increases from Middle East. Levy Fund, TT$600 million sectors related to people’s suppliers.” He said that out of the from taxes on goods, services livelihoods. Furthermore, there Diptee said that supermarkets concept paper, a careful and international trade, must be sufficient food and can normally access discounts formula was proposed to allow TT$2.5 billion in royalties and daily necessities available for or specials on certain items for the release of the prisoners, production sharing, and TT$1.2 the population. Alleviating from suppliers, but with COVID- noting that the government billion in profits from state the negative inputs on the 19, there have been major already had experience in the enterprises, among other areas. livelihoods and the economy disruptions in international release of prisoners, noting The Finance Minister said, must be given as much attention supply chains. that since last December, 516 “There is no question that as stopping the virus so as to prisoners had been released. the fiscal year 2020 will be

176 | The Parliamentarian | 2020: Issue Two | 100 years of publishing 1920-2020 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO exceptionally difficult even wearing masks. He was at the that the Government used its Trinidad’s Upper House if the pandemic fades in time contributing to the Bill, majority to have it passed. passes Revenue Authority Bill the second half of the year, when he felt that Government Dr Roodal Moonilal chastised Trinidad and Tobago’s much allowing for a gradual lifting should have been focusing on the Government for doing publicized Revenue Authority of containment measures the COVID-19 pandemic. nothing with the Bill, which Bill has been passed in the and a re-opening of the “Instead of dealing with was originally set out by Senate with six Senators from economy.” He noted that legislation to bring relief to the People’s Partnership the Opposition party, United Government’s objective is to people who became jobless Government in 2012, charging National Congress, voting keep the economy moving, and businesses that had shut that those many in Parliament against it. The Government’s 16 stimulate economic activity, its doors as a result of the had serious reservations about Senators and nine Independent provide financial assistance crisis, this irrelevant Bill came its implementation. He also Senators voted for the Bill. The to individuals and businesses up for consideration. I shudder said that for over four years the Bill is now on the Order Paper and keep as many people to think that this Government Government had been unable of the , the House employed as is possible, called us out today and this has to implement the electronic of Representatives, for debate, including all workers in the nothing to do with COVID-19. monitoring system and has but with the latest pandemic public sector. This will get me angry, Madam brought it to the House at a disruption a time frame has yet “We cannot allow the Speaker”, the United National time when the country was to be given. pandemic to destroy our Congress MP for Oropouche grappling with a national crisis. The Bill seeks to establish the economy and, therefore, while East said in Parliament on “In a time when we are driven Revenue Authority of Trinidad a realization of priority areas Monday 27 April 2020. by this pandemic, when we and Tobago which will be an for spending is inevitable, it’s The MP said that if it was look around it is a dramatic autonomous revenue collection our intention to maintain our not linked to the pandemic, reflection of a catastrophe that body and will absorb the primary original expenditure target of the Opposition should not has befallen us, we are here functions of the Board of Inland TT$53 billion for fiscal 2020,” have been dragged here with today to deal with electronic Revenue (BIR) and the Customs he said. masks and hand sanitizer and monitoring and not issues and Excise Division (CED). all the risks associated with directly revolving the COVID-19 The Minister in the Ministry of Opposition MP critical of congregations like these. management.” Finance, Senator Hon. Allyson Government introducing Bill On the Order Paper for the As a result of the Bill, the West said that every member of during COVID-19 pandemic first sitting of the 41-member Attorney-General, Farris society in some form or fashion is Opposition MP, Dr Roodal Parliament after a closure Al-Rawi said that some 300 stepping forward to Government Moonilal has criticized the of six weeks, the Minister of ankle bracelets will be used to ask for financial assistance. Government for bringing in National Security, Stuart Young on perpetrators of domestic Although the Bill went through the Administration of Justice told MPs that the Bill would violence. the Committee Stage without (Monitoring) Bill when citizens become effective once there amendments, there were are bathing in Lysol and was parliamentary support, and requests for some clarifications. Independent Senator Amrita Deonarine inquired how employees would be treated if an agreement with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) is not reached amicably. Minister West noted that the Service Commission would receive instructions to identify the various positions that are in line with the qualifications and experience of those employees who chose to remain in the Public Service. Minister West added that training for the new position in the Revenue Authority has not yet commenced in the absence of the full passage of the Bill, but in the interim, it is mapping out the operations, the Ministry found that more people would be needed than what currently exists in the BIR and CED.

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or six years’ OE* and they’ve come back, they haven’t engaged, they’ve forgotten to do it, polling day’s upon them, they rush on down only to find that they’re not on the electoral roll and they cannot vote.” Some of the Bill had Opposition support. Mr , MP (National) said: “I would summarise the Bill as good, bad, and ugly.” Noting he supported: “the broadening of an ability to vote in different places that are currently subject to a blanket prohibition.” The Electoral Amendment Bill received the Royal Assent on 10 March 2020.

*Overseas Experience is a New Zealand term for an extended overseas working period or holiday.

Abortion Legislation Bill The Abortion Legislation Bill passed its Third Reading on 18 March 2020. The Bill amends the law to decriminalise abortion, Election Access Fund Bill and Electoral The Election Access Fund Bill received aligns the regulation of abortion services Amendment Bill the Royal Assent on 16 March 2020. with other health services, and modernises The Election Access Fund Bill passed The Electoral Amendment Bill passed the legal framework for abortion set out in its Third Reading on 11 March 2020. Ms its Third Reading on 4 March 2020, after a the Crimes Act, 1961 and the Contraception, Chlöe Swarbrick, MP (Green) said: “we party vote of 63 to 57. Hon. Andrew Little, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act, 1977. are enabling the impartial and politically MP (Labour) said the Bill made “some small Hon. Andrew Little, MP (Labour) set out independent Electoral Commission to changes to our electoral laws but some very the aims of the Bill, to “shift abortion out administer a fund to remove barriers faced significant ones in terms of the impact on of the criminal law framework, in which it by the deaf and disabled candidates in our people’s lives. The people I’m thinking about sits at the moment, and place it in a health general elections and our by-elections.” in particular are the roughly 19,000 people framework, where it properly belongs.” Hon. Dr Nick Smith, MP (National) said who turned up to a polling booth in the 2017 The existing legislation allowed pregnant the Bill is “a step in the right direction for election but, unlike many of their compadres people to access abortions, but only after including a wider range of people in this and compatriots who had turned up to satisfying two consultants that continuing the important institution that has responsibility for polling booths in the two weeks before, pregnancy would result in serious danger to the lawmaking and the governance of our who could both enrol and cast a vote for the the patient’s life or physical or mental health. country. I want to compliment Chlöe Swarbrick general election, those people couldn’t. … After 20 weeks, abortions could be obtained and the way in which she has managed the Then I think of the thousands of others who after satisfying two consultants that the legislative process around this Bill, being turned up but whose electoral roll details procedure was necessary to save the life of a strong advocate for the rights of people were wrong - the wrong address because the patient or prevent serious permanent with disabilities but also understanding the they’d moved several times … their votes injury to their physical or mental health. Mr importance of electoral law.” weren’t counted at all. So this will restore the Little stated: “the requirements of the 1977 Mr , MP (Labour) echoed democratic right to those people. … we’re Act are onerous and bureaucratic, and, for compliments for Ms Swarbrick, also noting also allowing the Electoral Commission to most women, securing an abortion requires the work of a previous Green MP: “I was determine that they can put polling booths them to maintain a fiction about their mental really proud that she took a piece of work in places like supermarkets and malls.” health.” that one of her colleagues, , Hon. Dr Nick Smith, MP (National) said: The Bill was subject to a personal had started. Many others had thought about “the most contentious issue in this Bill is the vote, meaning MPs could vote with their it, but she’s actually the one that’s got it to issue of same-day enrolment and voting. … conscience rather than along party lines, the finish line.” The incentive that is being created is: don’t and a range of views were expressed Mr David Seymour, MP (ACT) shared in bother enrolling. You can turn up any old across the House. Ms , MP the cross-party support for the Bill: “first and time and vote and enrol at the same time.” (National) argued that the Bill “dehumanises foremost, because it is good public policy, However, Hon. Ron Mark, MP (NZ First) the unborn baby by framing abortion via but, secondly, because it is something that said: “there are those people who - for a termination as a health issue.” makes us a more inclusive, humane, and range of reasons - do not get enrolled on Hon. , MP (National) compassionate society.” time. Maybe they’ve just returned from five countered: “I have an absolute belief that

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women have the inalienable right to control their own reproductive systems and to THIRD READING: NEW ZEALAND determine, ultimately, whether or not they have a child … I think there is no place for a Measures) Legislation Bill privacy and civil liberty being dealt with at Parliament to be specifying and legislating On 25 March 2020, Parliament returned this time.” Similarly, Mr Goldsmith conceded what the appropriate medical treatment is in six days early from an adjournment break that passing legislation under urgency any given case.” to pass legislation under urgency and to meant that there was no opportunity to The Party proposed approve other measures in response to “[make] sure that things have been done an amendment calling for the issue to be the COVID-19 before the country entered a properly and we’re not having unintended subject of a referendum, but this was voted 33-day lockdown the following day. consequences.” down. Mr Darroch Ball, MP (New Zealand Before passing the legislation, the House The COVID-19 Response (Urgent First) felt that the issue “should be decided first authorised a substantial increase in Management Measures) Legislation Bill was upon by the people of New Zealand, expenditure in the 2019-20 financial year. an omnibus Bill to introduce a freeze on rent not decided upon by 120 temporarily The Imprest Supply (Third for 2019/2020) Bill increases and tenancy terminations, and empowered politicians.” went through all stages, with debate at its extra powers for District Court Judges, the Other MPs discussed the inequalities Second Reading only. Secretary for Education, local government, of the existing legislation, and the delays The Minister of Finance, Hon. Grant and the Civil Defence Emergency it caused. Ms , MP (Green) Robertson, MP (Labour) explained: “The Management Group for the duration of the commented: “women in low-income or rural Bill will approve capacity for $52 billion COVID-19 crisis. communities have been required to see up of spending on our immediate COVID-19 Hon. , MP (Labour), to seven health professionals to be able to response.” speaking on behalf of the Minister of access abortion care services, while some That amount of money represents about Finance, highlighted the importance of women in other suburbs - wealthier suburbs, 17% of New Zealand’s GDP before the COVID- the tenancy restrictions: “New Zealanders I might say - have been able to go to one 19 shock to the economy, the Opposition need to stay in their homes as we go into place and have their care sorted in one finance spokesperson,Hon. Paul Goldsmith, this lockdown, and we cannot have families place very quickly and easily.” MP (National) pointed out, and was “the being made homeless and unable to self- MPs also raised the issue of disability biggest blank cheque in the history of the isolate during that period of time.” He also rights and the possibility of sex-selective country.” The National Party nevertheless reminded the House that the provisions in abortions. Mr , MP supported the expenditure increase in the this Bill were in addition to other financial (National) argued that the law would allow current crisis, and the Bill passed with the support the government was providing - “the for “discrimination against unborn baby support of all five parties in the House. most significant financial support package girls purely on the basis of their sex” and Having secured the authority for in our peacetime history” - which included added that “persons with Down-syndrome, additional expenditure, the House then “$9.3 billion in wage subsidy, meaning dwarfism, and spina bifida can be legally considered two further legislative measures, affected businesses receive support directly targeted purely on the basis of their which passed all stages, with debate at their from the Government to keep paying their disability.” Third Readings only. staff; $126 million in COVID-19 leave and The Bill originally sought to establish ‘safe The COVID-19 Response (Taxation self-isolation support for the people who areas’, with the aim of preventing intimidation and Social Assistance Urgent Measures) are unable to work because they’re sick, and obstruction outside clinics, but this was Bill aimed to provide some tax relief to they’re self-isolating, or they’re caring for amended during the Committee of the Whole businesses and individuals impacted by dependents; and $2.8 billion in income House. Mr David Seymour, MP (ACT), while the COVID-19 outbreak and to address the support for our most vulnerable.” supporting the Bill, said “it would have been broader impacts of the pandemic on New The Bill passed with the unanimous a mistake to decriminalise abortion while Zealand’s economy. Mr Robertson outlined support of all parties. criminalising speech. It would have been the detail of the new tax measures, one a terrible constitutional precedent for this of which would allow the Inland Revenue Before adjourning the House until 28 House to make a law where a Minister, a Department “to share information with other April 2020, the New Zealand Parliament politician, can strike out, with a pen, freedom government departments to assist those voted unanimously to establish a new of expression - a right guaranteed to New agencies in their response to the COVID-19 Select Committee, the Epidemic Response Zealanders in the Bill of Rights.” outbreak.” Committee. The Committee, to be chaired The Bill passed with 68 votes to 51 and Although the Bill passed with the support by the Leader of the Opposition and with received the Royal Assent on 23 March of all parties in the House, Opposition parties majority Opposition membership, would 2020. did sound a note of caution. Referring to the have the job of scrutinising the actions of new information-sharing powers, ACT Party the Executive while Parliament remained COVID-19 Response (Taxation and Social Leader, Mr David Seymour, MP said, “We adjourned under the lockdown. Please Assistance Urgent Measures) Bill and need to be cautious about such matters that turn to page 112 to read more about this COVID-19 Response (Urgent Management normally would be a major issue of people’s Committee.

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THE EIGHTH PARLIAMENT OF SRI LANKA IS DISSOLVED The Eighth Parliament of Sri Election Commission informed United National Party (UNP) - (UPFA) because it had obtained Lanka was dissolved on 2 that elections would be 106 Members; United People’s the highest number of seats in March 2020, by a proclamation postponed. Freedom Alliance (UPFA) - 95 Parliament. As determined by issued by the President with Members; Ilankai Tamil Arasu Article 46(4) of the Constitution the new Parliament to be Noteworthy facts during Kadchi (ITAK) - 16 Members; of Sri Lanka, the number summoned on 14 May 2020. Eighth Parliament of Sri Lanka People’s Liberation Front (JVP) of Ministers in the Cabinet The President had since The Eighth Parliament of - 6 Members; Eelam People’s would not exceed 48 and the December 2019 pledged to Sri Lanka was convened Democratic Party (EPDP) - 1 number of Ministers who are dissolve Parliament when it on 1 September 2015 by a Member; Muslim Congress non-Cabinet Ministers and the completed four-and-a-half proclamation made by the (MC) - 1 Member. number of Deputy Ministers years. When he dissolved (then) President. According to Since none of the parties should not exceed 45. Parliament, there were no Article 62 of the Constitution, obtained the clear majority COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka, the Eighth Parliament of 113 Members, a national Some of the key statistics despite a growing crisis in consisted of two hundred Government was formed for during the Eighth Parliament of China, Europe, and East Asia. and twenty-five Members the first time in the Parliament’s Sri Lanka were: During this period, political elected in accordance with the history. • There were 62 new parties and election monitors provisions of the Constitution. The United National Party Members of Parliament in called for elections to be Composition of the Eighth (UNP) formed a national this term. postponed until the threat had Parliament with six recognized Government with the United • 12 women Members of abated. After nominations, the political parties was as follows: People’s Freedom Alliance Parliament were elected. Images copyright: Sri Lanka Parliament/U. G. Nuwan Duminda. Parliament/U. Images copyright: Sri Lanka

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• 4 Members of Parliament Parliament should be quashed Discharge of Functions) better understanding on died and was without force or effect in Act, 2016 - provided for Social Innovation, Science • 1 Member of Parliament law. The Supreme Court further the establishment of the and Technology Innovation; was disqualified under held that the fundamental rights Office on Missing Persons Defense Innovation; Eco Article 91(1)(d)(xiii) of the of the petitioners had been to search and trace Missing Innovation and Service Constitution* violated as a result of the said Persons; to provide Innovation; and their impact • 1 Member of Parliament Gazette Notification. assistance to relatives of on the economy. resigned before making Missing Persons; for the • International Convention the affirmation before Legislation approved during setting up of a database of for the Protection of All Parliament the Eighth Parliament Missing Persons. Persons from Enforced • 6 Members of Parliament During the period of the Eighth • National Audit Act, 2018 Disappearance Act, 2018 resigned. Parliament from Tuesday 1 – provided legislation for - this piece of legislation September 2015 to Monday the powers, duties and is to give effect to the 52-day Government during the 2 March 2020, the Sri Lanka functions of the Audit International Convention Eighth Parliament Parliament passed 131 Acts of Service Commission, for the Protection of All During the Eighth Parliament of Parliament, which included two the establishment of the Persons from Enforced Sri Lanka, a 52-day government Private Member Bills. office of the National Audit Disappearance; and took place from 26 October Office and the Sri Lanka to ensure the right to 2018 to 16 December 2018. An Examples of legislation State Audit Service; and Justice and Reparation interim Order was issued by the approved during the Eighth to specify the role of the to Victims of Enforced Court of Appeal preventing the Parliament Auditor-General over Disappearance. then newly appointed Prime • Microfinance Act, 2016 public finance. • A new set of Standing Minister from functioning in - this piece of legislation • Office of Reparations Orders introduced during his office as the Prime Minister provided for the licensing, Act, 2018 - this piece of the Eighth Parliament, and all other newly appointed regulation and supervision legislation provides for after 25 years, introduced Ministers in their portfolios of companies carrying on the establishment of the a new Sectoral Oversight and this was followed by the microfinance business; and Office for Reparations; to Committee system, Prime Supreme Court confirming the set up standards for the identify aggrieved persons Minister’s question hour, Order. regulation and supervision eligible for reparations, and and many more new of microfinance of to provide for the provision innovations. Premature dissolution of Non-Governmental of individual and collective Parliament and landmark Organizations. reparations to such persons. *In keeping with the Nineteenth judgment of the Supreme • National Research • 1990 Suwaseriya Amendment to the Constitution, Court Council of Sri Lanka Act, Foundation Act, 2018 Article 91(1)(d)(xiii) of the A Proclamation to dissolve 2016 - provided for the - this provides for the Constitution clearly states that the Eighth Parliament with establishment of the establishment of the 1990 no person shall be qualified to be effect from midnight Friday 9 National Research Council Suwaseriya Foundation; elected as a Member of Parliament November 2018 and to meet of Sri Lanka for the purpose and the Government or sit and vote in Parliament, if he/ for the new Parliament on of fostering and sustaining having identified pre- she is a citizen of Sri Lanka who is 17 January 2019, following a Science and Technology hospital care ambulance also a citizen of any other country. A elections on 5 January 2019, Research Culture and services as an essential Writ Petition by resident individuals was published in the Gazette Community in Sri Lanka service in enhancing the of the of a Extraordinary Notification. and facilitating research standard of living of people particular Member of Parliament Ten petitions were filed in the programmes that will in Sri Lanka by delivering filed in the Court of Appeal under Supreme Court of Sri Lanka contribute to the National comprehensive, speedy, CA (Writ) 362/2015 challenging that requesting a Declaration Development Agenda. reliable and quality pre- Member of Parliament to show the that the aforementioned • Right to Information Act - hospital care services, authority under which she claimed Proclamation, issued by the this was a significant piece established with a grant to hold the office as an eligible then President, infringes the of legislation which provided from the Government of Member of Parliament in the petitioners’ fundamental rights for the Right of Access India a pre-hospital care Legislature. contained in Article 12(1) of the to Information; to specify ambulance service free of The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, a Constitution of Sri Lanka. grounds on which access charge initially in Western fuller Bench comprising five Judges On 13 December 2018, the may be denied; to establish and Southern Provinces. of the Supreme Court unanimously Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, a the Right to Information • National Innovation upheld the Judgment of the Court full Bench comprising Seven Commission; and to appoint Agency Act, 2019 - this of Appeal on 3 May 2017 and its Judges of the Supreme Information Officers. legislation provides for order in the nature of a Writ of Quo Court, unanimously ruled that • Office on Missing the establishment of Warranto declaring that Member of the Gazette Extraordinary Persons (Establishment, the National Innovation Parliament was not entitled to hold Notification to dissolve Administration, and Agency; and to promote office as a Member of Parliament.

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CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC PROMPTS PROCEDURAL INNOVATIONS IN THE UK PARLIAMENT Like other Parliaments and to 80% of wages for workers used that.” He added that his the House of Commons’ Governments across the who would otherwise be made amendment “proposes that Standing Orders to allow Commonwealth and beyond, redundant. Companies would instead of the sunset being two Select Committees to use the United Kingdom has been continue to pay salaries and years…it would be one year.” videoconferencing to hold responding to the COVID-19 then claim back those costs Rt Hon. Penny Mourdant, virtual meetings and evidence (Coronavirus) pandemic. This from the UK Government. MP, Paymaster-General, sessions. This motion was includes the impacts on the responded in the debate by agreed to without division. economy and the National Coronavirus Bill proceedings telling the House that the UK The House of Lords faces the Health Service (NHS). On 19 March 2020, the Government have “listened to difficulty of its high average The UK Prime Minister, Coronavirus Bill was introduced people’s concerns about the age of Members (average age Rt Hon. , in the House of Commons. It need for periodic reviews of 69 years). The Lord Speaker, MP, delivered the first daily was an extensive Bill, spanning these powers. The Government Rt Hon. Lord Fowler, made Coronavirus press conference over 320 pages when first have therefore tabled an a statement on 19 March on Monday 16 March 2020. introduced. The Bill contained amendment to the Bill that will 2020, announcing that he, as The Prime Minister said during temporary measures designed enable the House of Commons someone aged over 70, would the conference that “now is the to either amend existing to take a view every six months be following UK Government time for everyone to stop non- legislative provisions or on whether the provisions of advice and self-isolating. He essential contact with others introduce new statutory powers the Act need to be reviewed.” remarked in his statement to and to stop all unnecessary to mitigate impacts of the virus. This and other Government the House that “my strong view travel. We need people to start Some of the areas addressed amendments were accepted from my own experience is that working from home where in the Bill included: removing without a division. The Bill was the best course to take in the they possibly can.” Mr Johnson barriers to allow recently retired sent to the House of Lords and present crisis is to follow the also outlined that those who NHS staff and social workers was considered over the 24 clear direction of Public Health develop symptoms should self- to return to work; reducing and 25 March 2020. Fourteen England...This is not only for isolate, as should members of the number of administrative amendments were tabled their own good - or I should their household. tasks that emergency service but the Bill passed the Lords say ‘our’ own good - but for the The daily press conferences workers have to perform; unamended. The Coronavirus benefit of those in our National held during that week altering statutory duties on Bill received Royal Assent on Health Service...So reluctantly unveiled further significant local authorities regarding 25 March 2020. I will withdraw from the House measures. On Tuesday 17 care for people with critical for the time being, but thanks March, the recently appointed needs; powers prohibiting mass Procedural changes due to to modern technology I will still Chancellor of the Exchequer, gatherings and quarantine COVID-19 be… continuing my duties as Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak, MP, powers for the police; changes to A number of changes were Lord Speaker.” announced a historic package death management systems; and made in terms of Parliamentary Before the Easter recess, the of emergency state support for providing statutory sick pay from procedure prior to the extended House of Lords adjourned for businesses, including £330bn day one of being ill (as opposed Easter recess which began on five-minute intervals between of government-backed loans to day 4, as previously). 25 March 2020, when both business to allow for Members and more than £20bn in tax The Bill was fast-tracked Houses of Parliament rose to leave and enter the Chamber cuts and grants for companies through Parliament, passing a week early, following the whilst social distancing. The threatened with failure. both Houses in four sitting days. conclusion of proceedings on House also agreed to a motion On Wednesday 18 March, it In the House of Commons, a the Coronavirus Bill. on 25 March 2020 moved by was announced that all schools number of amendments were On 23 March 2020, the the Leader of the House of in England were to close, tabled including one amending Speaker of the House of Lords, Rt Hon. Baroness Evans following the same measures the two-year expiry of the Bill. Commons, Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay of Bowes Park, for the House being announced in Wales and Rt Hon. David Davis, MP raised Hoyle, MP, made a short only to consider Government Scotland, where education is his concern at the Committee statement outlining changes Bills until 21 May 2020, and a devolved competence. On stage that “the Public Health including divisions being the ‘usual channels’ agreed Friday 20 March, the Prime (Control of Disease) Act 1984… staggered so that limited to reduce sitting days to three Minister ordered all pubs, was designed for exactly numbers of MPs walk through days per week. restaurants, gyms and other the position we are in now: the lobbies at any one time. When the UK Parliament social venues to close. In an dealing with pandemics and On 24 March 2020, the Leader returned after the Easter recess, unprecedented move, the epidemics…The other Act is the of the House of Commons, Rt both the Houses began virtual Chancellor announced that Civil Contingencies Act 2004… Hon. Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP proceedings for non-legislative the Government would pay up the Government could have tabled a motion to change business. On 21 April 2020, the

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This is a precautionary step, as the Prime Minister continues to have persistent symptoms of coronavirus ten days after testing positive for the virus.” On 6 April 2020, a further statement announced “over

Image credit: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor the course of this afternoon, the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened, and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. The PM has asked Dominic Raab, who is the , to deputise for him where necessary.” On 12 April 2020, Boris Johnson was discharged from hospital and stayed at Chequers, the official country residence of the Prime Minister, House of Commons agreed On Wednesday 22 April, taken in hybrid substantive for convalescence. He returned to the motion tabled by the MPs took part in the first proceedings. The motion to his full duties on 27 April. Leader of the House, to permit ever hybrid Prime Minister’s provided that the Member in ‘hybrid-scrutiny’ proceedings. Questions. Similarly, the House charge of an item of business Labour Party leadership This motion allowed Members of Lords agreed to a motion may designate it as subject to election to take part in Oral Questions, for non-legislative business, decision by a remote division After four and a half years Urgent Questions and including Oral Questions, and whether divisions should as Leader of the Opposition, be deferred remote divisions Ministerial Statements virtually, Ministerial Statements and Rt Hon. Jeremy Corbyn, MP whilst some Members could debates (but not decisions) on with leave of the Speaker. stepped down. Mr Corbyn remain in the chamber under Statutory Instruments to take Three hybrid Second Readings announced his resignation social distancing rules. The place virtually. Proceedings took place during the week the day after Labour’s general Minister would continue to on legislative business would commencing 27 April 2020 election defeat in December answer questions from the still take place in the Chamber, in the House of Commons, 2019. The Labour Party despatch box in the Chamber. but with few Members in including the Second Reading conducted a leadership contest The House also agreed only to attendance. The first virtual of the Finance Bill. At the time with three MPs on the final sit on Mondays to Wednesdays proceeding, Oral Questions, of writing, testing of remote ballot. The electorate was each week. took place on Tuesday 21 April divisions continues. made up of Labour’s members, 2020 with the Lord Speaker affiliated supporters (such as (virtually) presiding. Prime Minister taken ill affiliated trade union members) Two further procedural On 27 March 2020, the UK “This motion and registered supporters. The motions were agreed by Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Boris allowed Members Special Conference, scheduled the House of Commons Johnson, MP announced for 4 April 2020, to announce to take part in on 22 April 2020. The first that he had tested positive the result was cancelled due to was for hybrid ‘substantive’ for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Oral Questions, the COVID-19 outbreak. proceedings to take place. after experiencing a high Urgent Questions Instead the announcement Substantive proceedings temperature and cough, and was made on the same day and Ministerial include motions in the name that he would be self-isolating. via the Labour Party website. of a Minister of the Crown; He continued to act as Prime Statements Rt Hon. Sir Keir Starmer MP, permitting the presentation Minister, chairing meetings virtually, whilst previously Shadow Secretary of of Bills; and subsequent using video-conferencing State for Exiting the European some Members proceedings on Public Bills technology. On 5 April 2020, it Union, was announced as the introduced by a Minister of was announced in a statement could remain in winner and new Leader of the the Crown. The House of from 10 Downing Street “on the chamber under Opposition, with 56% of first Commons also agreed to the the advice of his doctor, the preference votes, beating social distancing motion to sanction ‘remote Prime Minister has tonight been Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP and divisions’ in respect of business admitted to hospital for tests. rules.” Lisa Nandy, MP.

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CANADIAN PARLIAMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Indigenous and Northern Affairs was also instructed to study the response to the pandemic. Also on 11 April 2020, the Senate adopted a motion calling on the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology to study different aspects of the government’s response to the pandemic. In addition, the motion sets out the mandate of a newly formed Special Senate Committee on the Lessons Learned from Since March 2020, the work of number of Senators and MPs motion adopted in the House the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Parliament of Canada has participated in each sitting. of Commons lead to two Future Preparedness. As per been focused on the response While sittings were intended Committees holding weekly the wording of the motion, this to the COVID-19 pandemic. to resume during the week meetings via teleconference or Special Committee can hold its The Senate and House of of 20 April 2020, the Senate videoconference: the Standing first meeting “no earlier than Commons Administrations announced on 17 April that it Committee on Finance and the start of October 2020.” announced a series of would extend its adjournment the Standing Committee on preventative measures, until 2 June 2020. The House Health. As per the wording of Changes in Party Leadership including limiting building of Commons, on the other the motion, these meetings Due to COVID-19, the access, suspending guided hand, looked at the various must be “for the sole purpose Leadership race for the tours and postponing all options available to resume of receiving evidence Conservative Party of Canada, activities involving outside sittings in the context of the concerning matters related to which was supposed to end visitors. Parliamentary travel pandemic. On 20 April 2020, the government’s response to on 27 June 2020, was put on has also been suspended. it adopted a motion setting the COVID-19 pandemic.” hold on 26 March until further First intended to last until May, up the new parameters under During the sitting of 11 April notice. On 29 April 2020, the these measures have been which MPs would meet three 2020, the House adopted Leadership Election Organizing prolonged until 24 June 2020. times a week in a Special a new motion to add three Committee announced that The Senate and the House Committee chaired by the Committees to this list: the the election would move to a of Commons temporarily Speaker of the House of Standing Committee on postal ballot which must be adjourned on 13 March Commons, Hon. Anthony Rota, Government Operations received by 21 August 2020. 2020. They were recalled by MP. and Estimates; the Standing As of 1 May 2020, four people the Speakers twice on the Composed of all MPs, this Committee on Human had completed the necessary same days for extraordinary Special Committee will meet in Resources, Skills and Social steps to become a verified meetings: 24 March and 11 the Chamber on Wednesdays, Development and the Status candidate including two April. In addition, the House albeit with a limited number of of Persons with Disabilities; current MPs: Erin O’Toole, MP of Commons met on 29 Members, while the meetings and the Standing Committee and Derek Sloan, MP. A former April to debate a Bill which on Tuesday and Thursday will on Industry, Science and MP, Hon. Peter MacKay, also was considered before the occur by videoconference. The Technology. In addition, entered the race to become Senate on 1 May. In all cases, quorum for this new Special the Standing Committee on successor to Hon. Andrew Parliamentarians were invited Committee has been set at Procedure and House Affairs Scheer, MP, who remains to debate government Bills seven MPs present. The first was instructed to study “ways Leader in the interim. addressing the COVID- meetings under this agreement in which Members can fulfill The Leadership contest for 19 pandemic. In order to were held during the week of their parliamentary duties the respect social distancing 27 April 2020. while the House stands remains underway. Two recommendations and to Meanwhile, the work of adjourned,” including potential contestants, neither of which protect Parliamentarians, Parliamentary Committees, modifications to procedure are Parliamentarians, are and with the agreement of which was initially put on and the creation of a ‘virtual’ currently in the running to the different Senate groups hold, has since started Parliament. On 20 April 2020, succeed Elizabeth May, MP. and political parties, a limited again. On 24 March 2020, a the Standing Committee on The winner will be announced

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at the next Party Convention, years were also adopted on the THIRD READING: which will take place between same day. 2-4 October 2020, in As indicated in the previous BRITISH COLUMBIA Charlottetown, Prince Edward issue of The Parliamentarian, Municipal Affairs and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, Island. the federal government had 2020 agreed to introduce legislation Introduced on 24 February 2020, Bill 10, Municipal Affairs Changes in the Senate to modify the medical and Housing Statutes Amendment Act, 2020, is designed On 31 January 2020, Hon. assistance in dying legislation to create an interim business property tax relief program by , the Government following a decision from the enabling municipalities to adopt bylaws to provide immediate Representative in the Senate, Quebec Superior Court. This tax relief to small businesses, non-profits and arts and culture announced two new Members Bill, which was introduced on organizations. of his team: Hon. Raymonde 24 February 2020, was up for Hon. Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Gagné was named Legislative debate when the House of Housing, explained during the Second Reading debate Deputy to the Government Commons adjourned in March. that rapidly rising land values and escalating property tax Representative in the Senate The Minister of Justice, assessments, based on frameworks tied to land values, have and Hon. Patti LaBoucane- Hon. David Lametti, MP, led to significant increases in commercial property taxes Benson was appointed introduced a Bill which would which impact many small businesses who lease business Government Liaison in the restrict eligibility for judicial space, particularly in large urban centres. The Bill is intended Senate. appointment to candidates to benefit commercial lease tenants who are paying taxes On 4 February 2020 two new who participate in continuing on potential land resale values while not realizing that Senators were sworn in: Hon. education on matters related benefit. The legislation would authorize municipalities to , representing to sexual assault law. This adopt bylaws to exempt eligible commercial properties from the province of New Brunswick, follows debate on a Private higher property taxes where there is at least one lease tenant and Hon. , Member’s Bill introduced by responsible for all or a portion of the property taxes. representing the province of now former MP, Hon. Rona Minister Robinson noted that under the legislation, nd Saskatchewan. Both Senators Ambrose during the 42 municipalities would have the flexibility to determine which have joined the Independent Parliament. The Bill had passed businesses and organizations are most in need of tax relief. Senators Group. the Committee report stage in She stated that this is interim legislation designed to provide On 1 February 2020, Hon. the Senate but lacked time to relief for the 2020 tax year, while work continues with Serge Joyal retired, having be adopted before dissolution local governments and other select stakeholders to find a served since 1997. in September 2019. permanent solution. On 8 February 2020, Hon. In his Second Reading comments, Todd Stone, MLA, David Tkachuk retired, having Speaker of the House of Official Opposition Critic for Municipal Affairs, Housing and served since 1993. Commons TransLink, noted that the Bill would create an administrative On 8 April 2020, Hon. Tom Hon. Anthony Rota, MP, the burden for municipalities which would be required to examine McInnis retired, having served Speaker of the House of thousands of different properties to determine which are since 2012. Commons, inaugurated, on 29 eligible for the different levels of relief. As an alternative As of 1 May 2020, the January 2020, a suggestion approach, he advocated the use of a split assessment standings in the Senate were: box outside his office. All which would create a new commercial subclass to enable Independent Senators Group Members can now propose local governments to tax the unused airspace above small 50, Conservative Party 21, ways to improve the House of businesses at a zero or near-zero rate. He added that in 13, Commons, which can be done 2019 an intergovernmental working group recommended non-affiliated 12 and vacant 9. anonymously. implementing a split assessment classification and that he had introduced a Private Member’s Bill (Bill M201, Assessment Legislation Emergency debate (Split Assessment Classification) Amendment Act) a few Some Bills not related to the In February, a series of rail weeks earlier based on this approach. COVID-19 situation received blockades across the country The Leader of the Third Party, Adam Olsen, MLA, agreed Royal Assent before the in support of Indigenous that addressing the issue of increased property taxes is Parliament adjourned. On 13 Peoples halted both freight urgent, but stated that there is an older and deeper problem March 2020, the last day of and passenger traffic. On 18 that needs to be addressed with regard to the challenges regular sittings, the Canada— February 2020, the House of that local governments face in generating revenues. He United States—Mexico Commons held an emergency explained that many local governments are heavily reliant Agreement Implementation debate on the topic as well on property taxes and referenced challenges facing tenants Act received Royal Assent. as on the larger issue of the when the designation or zoning of their rented or leased Appropriation acts for the 2019- relations between the Crown properties are changed. He noted that split assessment could 2020 and the 2020-2021 fiscal and Indigenous Peoples.

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THIRD READING: BRITISH COLUMBIA (CONTINUED) provide immediate relief but stated that Orders, a Bill must receive three readings on as one of these circumstances applies to the challenge for local governments goes different days prior to being passed. After the employee and will be retroactive to 27 beyond unused airspace and requires a the Bill received First Reading, Hon. Mike January 2020, the date that the first COVID- long-term solution. He expressed support Farnworth, MLA, Minister of Public Safety 19 case was confirmed in British Columbia. for the legislation as an interim measure. and Solicitor General, sought, and was Minister Farnworth noted that the legislation The Municipal Affairs and Statutes granted, leave of the House to permit the also contains another entitlement that is not Amendment Act, 2020 received Third legislation to proceed through all stages on specific to COVID-19 which is to provide Reading on 2 March 2020. that day. employees with up to three days of unpaid, During the Second Reading debate, job-protected leave each year for personal Employment Standards Amendment Act Minister Farnworth explained that the illness or injury. (No. 2), 2020 legislation is designed to amend the Official Opposition Member,Mike de The Legislative Assembly of British Employment Standards Act to provide Jong, QC, MLA, agreed with the urgent Columbia adjourned on 5 March 2020 for unpaid job-protected leave to employees in need to address the impact of the COVID- a scheduled two-week constituency break. British Columbia during the COVID-19 crisis, 19 pandemic and advised that the Official On 11 March, the World Health Organization an unprecedented public health emergency Opposition supported the legislation. declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and affecting countries around the world. He However, he noted that there may be shortly thereafter, British Columbia declared outlined eligible COVID-19-related situations unintended consequences to passing the a provincial state of emergency. The under which this leave may be requested by legislation in an expedited manner and Legislative Assembly held an abbreviated an employee including: diagnosis of COVID- expressed hope that there would be an one-day sitting on March 23 to consider 19; quarantine or self-isolation; direction opportunity to examine its impact at a later and adopt urgent budgetary and legislative by an employer to stay home because of date. With respect to the content of the Bill, measures to address the pandemic. concerns about exposure to others; inability Mr de Jong spoke about the challenge of The Employment Standards Amendment to return to British Columbia because of a balancing the desire to protect employees Act (No. 2) 2020 is designed to amend the travel or border restriction; and providing with the reality that many businesses are Employment Standards Act to better support care to a minor child or dependent adult, facing difficult circumstances in struggling workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a school, daycare or similar facility has to keep their staff employed. He pointed and in the long term, by ensuring that no closed. Furthermore, the legislation would out that Ontario and Saskatchewan had worker in British Columbia can lose their allow government, by regulation, to extend opted for more general provisions in their job for following the orders of the provincial this leave to other COVID-related situations. legislation, as opposed to the COVID- health officer. Pursuant to the Standing The leave would be available for as long 19 specific provisions in this Bill, and questioned why government adopted this approach. Mr de Jong also asked about the provision by which sections of the legislation could be rescinded by regulation and whether government intended to do so after the ending of the threat posed by COVID-19. Sonia Furstenau, MLA, House Leader for the Third Party, expressed support for the legislation and its expedited passage, stating that it would assist people who need to stay home in order to address the COVID-19 pandemic. She questioned how the legislation might apply to people who have not been ordered to stay home but still want to stay home to protect their health. In addition, she noted that British Columbia is an outlier in Canada in not providing guaranteed sick leave to employees, and praised the inclusion of three days of sick leave in the Bill. The Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2) 2020 received Third Reading on 23 March 2020.

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PARLIAMENTARY DISCIPLINE AND DECORUM IN LOK SABHA The Parliament of India there may be agreement or The junior Parliamentary 2020 and submit a report. reassembled for the second disagreement in the House, but Affairs Minister,Shri Arjun Subsequently, the House was part of its Budget Session on issues should be discussed. Ram Meghwal said the adjourned till 11 March. 2 March 2020. Opposition The Opposition Members, Government is ready to talk The proceedings of Lok Members were on their however, continued to disrupt to the Opposition and also for Sabha were disrupted when toes demanding immediate proceedings demanding discussion. As the House was the House met on 11 March and discussion on the recent immediate discussion on not in order, Shri Meghwal the House had to be adjourned Delhi riots in which 53 people the Delhi riots. When the requested the Presiding Officer time and again. When the lost their lives. Lok Sabha Lok Sabha met next day, the to pass the listed Mineral House reassembled in the proceedings were repeatedly Speaker was not in the Chair. Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 afternoon, the Speaker was in disrupted for days as Members The Minister of Parliamentary without any discussion. When the Chair. Several Members from Opposition parties stuck Affairs,Shri Pralhad Joshi said the Bill was being piloted some made submissions requesting to their demand for a debate on the government was ready for Members from the Opposition the Speaker to revoke the the Delhi riots. discussion on 11 March, but snatched away papers from the suspension. Thanking the The Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri the Opposition is interested in Presiding Officer’s table and Speaker for coming back to the Om Birla expressed his sadness disruption not discussion. He the House had to be adjourned House, Members from different at MPs coming to the Well of requested that MPs to allow again. political parties highlighted the the House and interrupting the House to function so as When the House need to maintain the honour proceedings. He said it should to complete many important reassembled, the Presiding and dignity of the Chair and be the collective effort and constitutional matters. As Officer named seven Congress decorum and etiquette in the collective responsibility to the House continued to be Party Members under Rule 374 House. ensure maintenance of peace disrupted, it was adjourned. of the Rules of Procedure and In his observation, Speaker and harmony in the country and The Speaker kept away from Conduct of Business in Lok Shri Birla said Indian also the dignity of Parliament. the House on 5 May also. The Sabha for gross misconduct, democracy is hailed the world The Speaker observed he is in proceedings continued to be and on a motion moved by the over. The Parliament of India favour of a discussion over the disrupted and many Members Parliamentary Affairs Minister is a temple of democracy issue in the House and once went to the Well of the House. and adopted by the House, and is obliged to address the normalcy is restored, he would The Presiding Officer observed the seven Members were needs and aspirations of the discuss it with MPs. He said that the Speaker was very sad suspended from the service of people. All Members share MPs should not show placards about the things that happened the House for the remainder of the view that there ought to and raise slogans inside the day before yesterday and the Session. Several Opposition be healthy debate, interaction House and appealed to the disruption of the House does Members made submissions and discussion in the House Leaders of the parties to act not give any credit to anyone. requesting the Chair on 6 May and they have placed this responsibly on this count. As He said the Speaker has every to revoke the suspension. The responsibility upon the the House continued to be right to express his anguish Chair, however, announced the Speaker. He said the episode disrupted, the Speaker said he and one can’t challenge that. Speaker’s decision to constitute that occurred in the recent past would not like to run the House He requested the protesting a Committee of MPs under his has saddened him in person. in such a situation and asked Members to go back to their chairmanship to investigate all He assured the Members that MPs to decide whether they seats and allow the House to the incidents that occurred in he will try hard to get various want the House to run as per function. the House from 2 to 5 March issues debated by holding rules and conventions. On 3 March 2020, the Speaker said that the House runs with the cooperation of MPs and warned them not to cross the Floor to avoid suspension. He again said MPs should not come to the House with placards. Amidst disruptions, Shri Birla announced the government’s willingness to have a discussion on 11 March. He requested the Members to discuss issues in the House and not disrupt the proceedings. He believed

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talks with both treasury and opposition Members. He said in the all-party meeting held earlier in the day, many parties have expressed their commitment that their Leaders shall never come to the Well of the House. He said the Speaker will come and go but the dignity attached to the Chair shall continue to exist forever. He assured the Members that he will never allow the erosion of the trust MPs have reposed in him. Disagreement is the essence of democracy and there can be a difference of opinion when Members put forth their views reflecting their party lines. It may contain sarcasm, comments, yet it must not be indecorous in nature. He asked the Members not to come to the Well of the Session was curtailed, and both global Coronavirus situation visits to the Parliament House House or show placards. He the Houses were adjourned is being monitored on a Estate, starting with thermal observed all the Leaders have sine die on 23 March 2020. continuous basis by a Group scanning at all points of entry, unanimously agreed that they The Parliament of India of Secretaries headed by ensuring complete cleanliness would essentially uphold the has taken several measures the Cabinet Secretary and a in and around Parliament dignity of the House and it will to contain the spread of the Group of Ministers, headed House, including adequate be his efforts to ensure that disease. On 6 March 2020, by the Minister of Health and arrangements of hand such situation does not arise in the Union Minister of Health Family Welfare. He said in sanitizers, napkins and soap. future. Stating that any erosion and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh many respects, India has been The officials also informed the of the dignity of the House may Vardhan made a detailed ahead of the curve in taking Speaker that lists of dos and lead to the erosion of public presentation in Lok Sabha on precautionary measures. don’ts are being circulated to all trust in democracy, the Speaker Coronavirus and the steps The Speaker of Lok Sabha, Members of Parliament in order asked the Members to trust taken by the Government of Shri Om Birla is in the forefront to spread awareness. the Speaker and maintain the India to contain the disease. He of Parliament’s fight against Shri Om Birla conducted an dignity of the House. said the focus is on adherence the pandemic COVID-19. On inspection of the preparations Thereafter, the House to core capacities for disease 17 March 2020, he chaired a made in the Parliament House adopted a motion moved by preparedness and response meeting with senior officials Estate on 20 March 2020. Shri Meghwal terminating the which include surveillance, of Ministry of Health and Thereafter, he said all officials suspension of the seven MPs laboratory diagnosis, hospital Family Welfare, Municipal and non-officials, including with immediate effect. Later preparedness, logistics Authorities, Central Public members of the media and in the day, the Lok Sabha had management, capacity Works Department, Central visitors to the Parliament House a detailed discussion on the building of healthcare staff Government Health Scheme Estate, have been sensitized recent law and order situation and risk communication to the and other agencies in order to maintain proper hygiene in some parts of Delhi. community. He said the scale to review the measures taken and practice social distancing and extent of interventions to tackle the spread of the to prevent the spread of the Lok Sabha Speaker’s Initiative have increased in alignment virus in the Parliament House disease. He emphasised that against COVID-19 with the evolving situation Estate and surrounding awareness and restraint are key The second part of the Budget of COVID-19 across the areas. During the meeting, to prevention of the disease Session of Parliament that world and India in particular. Shri Birla was briefed about and hoped that the nation commenced on 2 March was Thereafter, several MPs the steps taken to ensure would fight COVID-19 with the to conclude on 3 April 2020. sought clarifications and made detection, prevention and collective efforts of all citizens. After having consensus across suggestions. containment of Coronavirus. Later, in a follow-up meeting party lines keeping in view On 12 March 2020, the Shri Birla was informed held in his Chamber, Shri the situation arising out of the External Affairs Minister, about the measures taken to Birla directed the Municipal spread of COVID-19 across the Dr S. Jaishankar informed ensure social distancing and Authorities and allied agencies, world including in India, the the Lok Sabha that the curtailment of all non-essential working within the Parliament,

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to ensure sanitation in and managing the challenges and spread of the virus. The Prime House, the Parliamentary around Parliament House adverse impact of COVID- Minister asked the people to Library, the Staff Library and the Estate. Earlier, in the Lok Sabha, 19 in the country. Under the have resolve and restraint in Sales counter were suspended Shri Birla said that the House MPLAD Scheme, every MP is order to fight the Coronavirus. till 3 May 2020. All catering is with the Prime Minister Shri allocated Rs five crore per year Following the complete lock units in Parliament House Narendra Modi’s observations to be spent for developmental down announced by the Estate were also closed until made in his special address to purposes in the constituency. Prime Minister, the Lok Sabha further orders. the nation on 19 March in which Two Ordinances have been Secretariat remained closed Speaker Shri Birla, in a video the Prime Minister called for a promulgated by the President till 14 April and attendance of conference with Presiding Janata Curfew on 22 March of India to raise resources to officers and staff was subject Officers of State Legislatures on 2020. He said the beauty of meet the urgent needs arising to exigency of work. Officers 18 April 2020, discussed about Indian democracy is that the out of the COVID-19 pandemic. and staff were allowed access the situation created by COVID- entire nation unitedly fights the The Salary, Allowances to e-office application to enable 19. Stating that Parliament and challenges like COVID-19. In and Pension of Members the facility to work from home. State Legislatures are with the order to prepare the country of Parliament (Amendment) A minimum number of officers government in fight against to deal with the COVID-19, the Ordinance, 2020 was issued and staff were asked to attend the disease, he said MPs and Prime Minister, Shri Narendra on 9 April 2020 amending the office and follow social Members of State Legislatures Modi, in his address to the the Salary, Allowances and distancing norms and various are playing a leading role in Nation on the 19 March 2020, Pension of Members of other precautionary measures. the national efforts to stop the had urged the people to Parliament Act, 1954 which The normal working hours per pandemic. On a call by Lok voluntarily participate in the reduces the salary of MPs by day was relaxed and officers Sabha Speaker during the Janta Curfew for 14 hours from 30% for a period of one year. and staff were required in video conference, several State 7 AM to 9 PM on 22 March The Act entitles a Member of office only to complete urgent Legislatures have established 2020. Parliament (MP) to receive a and essential work. Officials control rooms for immediate The Lok Sabha Speaker salary of Rs 1,00,000 per month residing far away from office or assistance. A control room has thanked the officers and staff during his term. The President in the vicinity of containment also been set up in Lok Sabha of Lok Sabha Secretariat for issued another Ordinance zone or with certified medical Secretariat to facilitate a quick contributing their one day’s on the same day namely The conditions were allowed to interface between MPs, MLAs salary to the Prime Minister’s Salaries and Allowances continue working from home and the public for emergency Citizen Assistance and Relief of Ministers (Amendment) Following the announcement assistance in the fight against in Emergency Situations Fund Ordinance, 2020 reducing by the Prime Minister on 14 COVID-19. (PM CARES Fund). The Fund the sumptuary allowance April 2020 to extend the After a comprehensive has been set up as a public (for expenditure incurred in complete lock down in the review, and in view of the lock charitable trust, keeping in entertaining visitors) by 30% entire country till 3 May 2020, down measures having led to mind the need for having a for a period of one year. The the Lok Sabha Secretariat significant gains in the COVID- dedicated national fund with reduction will apply from 1 April also issued orders to follow 19 situation in the country, the the primary objective of dealing 2020. the Consolidated Guidelines Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with any kind of emergency The President promulgated issued by the Ministry of Home Government of India issued or distress situation, like the the Epidemic Diseases Affairs regarding preventive an order under the Disaster one posed by the COVID-19 (Amendment) Ordinance measures to be taken to Management Act, 2005 on 1 pandemic, and to provide on 22 April 2020 to amend achieve social distancing to May 2020, to further extend relief to the affected. The Lok the Epidemic Diseases Act, contain spread of COVID-19 till the lock down for a further Sabha Speaker, in view of the 1897 which provides for the 3 May 2020. The Secretariat period of two weeks with economic crisis arising out prevention of the spread of also issued appropriate orders effect from 4 May 2020. The of the Corona pandemic, has dangerous epidemic diseases. for compulsory wearing of facial Ministry issued new guidelines given 30% of his monthly salary The Ordinance amends the masks by officers and staff to regulate different activities to the Consolidated Fund of Act to include protections while in the office and while in this period, based on the India for the next one year. for healthcare personnel commuting to and from the risk profiling of the districts of As a part of Government’s combating epidemic diseases office. Officers and staff were the country into Red (hotspot), continued efforts to contain and expands the powers of the also advised to maintain social Green and Orange Zones. The spread of COVID-19, the central government to prevent distancing at various places guidelines have permitted Union Government has the spread of such diseases. in Parliament House Estate considerable relaxations in the decided not to operate the Prime Minister Modi, in his including Receptions, Rooms, districts falling in the Green Members of Parliament Local address to the nation on the corridors, canteens, Medical and Orange Zones. The Lok Area Development Scheme 24 March 2020, appealed for a Centres, Banks, Post Offices, Sabha Secretariat has also (MPLADS) for two years (2020- three-week lock down starting Coffee Board, Tea Board, etc. issued appropriate directions 21 and 2021-22). These funds midnight till 14 April 2020, as it As a precautionary measure the regulating the attendance of will be used to strengthen was the only known effective services of the Reading Room its officers and staff during the Government’s efforts in measure in controlling the for Members in Parliament lock down period.

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The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2019 in the form of reduction of corporate income- during its discussion in both Houses of The Finance (No. 2) Act, 2019 (the Finance tax payable by domestic companies in order Parliament. The Amending Bill was passed Act, 2019) was enacted on the 1 August 2019, to make Indian industry more competitive. by Lok Sabha on 2 December 2019 and by inter alia, to provide the rate of income-tax, Therefore, it was felt that a fiscal stimulus Rajya Sabha on 5 December 2019. The Bill surcharge and health and education cess (the through reduction of corporate income- as passed by both Houses of Parliament was ‘cess’ or a ‘tax on a tax’) to be levied on the tax rate of domestic companies may be assented to by the President of India on 11 income of the financial year 2018-19 and also provided so as to attract the investment, December 2019. to provide the rate of income-tax, surcharge generate employment and boost the and cess to be applicable for deduction of tax economy of the country. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) at source and payment of advance-tax during In view of the above, the India Government Amendment Bill, 2019 the Financial Year 2019-20. felt that it became necessary to amend The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 Subsequent to the enactment of the certain provisions of the Income-tax Act, and was enacted to provide for more effective Finance Act, 2019 in view of various the Finance Act, 2019. However, as the India prevention of certain unlawful activities of developments, a view emerged that Parliament was not in session and in view of individuals and associations, and for dealing there is an urgent need to take additional the urgency felt in the matter, the Taxation with terrorist activities, and for matters fiscal measures in India so as to boost the Laws (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 was connected therewith. The said Act had been investment and growth in the economy promulgated on the 20 September 2019. amended in the years 2004, 2008 and 2013 for which the Government had already The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, to add certain provisions relating to various announced certain measures. Some of 2019 which sought to replace the aforesaid facets of terrorism. these measures related to amendments to Ordinance is in line with the Taxation Laws The National Investigation Agency the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Income-tax Act) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019. However, faced many difficulties in the process of and to the Finance Act, 2019. in view of representations received from investigation and prosecution of terrorism- It was also noticed that many countries, various stakeholders to provide certainty, it related cases. With a view to overcome the world over, had reduced corporate had been proposed to make certain further such difficulties being faced by the National income-tax to attract investment and amendments to the Income-tax Act and the Investigation Agency in the investigation create employment opportunities, thus, Finance Act, 2019. and prosecution of terrorism-related necessitating the need of similar measures The Amending Bill met with broad approval cases due to certain legal infirmities and

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THIRD READING: INDIA also to align the domestic law with the people being subjected to stringent of seizure and attachment under Section international obligations as mandated anti-terrorism laws, who are finally 25(1) do not go against the principles of in several Conventions and Security proven not guilty and acquitted. It is cooperative federalism. Council Resolutions on the issue, the India the responsibility of the Government The Minister also drew attention to the Government took a consolidated view to to provide proper rehabilitation provision regarding producing persons amend the said Act (hereinafter referred and compensation to them. The under the law before a competent authority to as the Parent Act). Accordingly, the Government should ensure a proper within 24 hours. The only change that had Government brought forward the Unlawful monitoring system to see how the been made is related to remand period Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019. National Investigation Agency is being which had been extended from 14 days held accountable. to 30 days because various dimensions Debate are associated with the complex crime During the discussion on the Bill in The Minister in charge of the Bill in his investigation cases taken up by the National Parliament, the main views that emerged reply at the outset thanked all Members for Investigation Agency. However, the were: their active participation in the debate and burden of proof still lies with the National • There is a need to take stringent action suggestions. The Minister is his reply inter Investigation Agency. The Minister assured against terrorist activities in the country. alia emphasized that the country needed the House that the Amending Bill was only This amending legislation would much tougher laws in order to uproot meant to end terrorism and it would never strengthen the National Investigation terrorism. At the time of formulation of anti- be misused. The Minister finally stated that is Agency which remains always vigilant terrorism laws was a good initiative. The the prime duty of the Government to provide for the security of the country. entire House needs to unanimously express strong legislation for the agencies which are • There were a number of channels its solidarity in fight against terrorism. engaged in the security of the people and through which economic assistance The Amending Bill has provisions the borders of the country so that they can was provided to the terrorists and delineating situations in which a particular combat terrorism effectively. there was an urgent need to restrict individual shall be declared a terrorist. If The Amending Bill was passed by Lok the activities of such people. There is a person perpetrating or participating in Sabha on 24 July 2019 and by Rajya Sabha a need to take legal action not only terrorist activities, nourishing terrorism, on 2 August 2019. The Bill as passed by against an organisation but also an providing finance for promoting terrorism both Houses of Parliament was assented to individual. This amending legislation and instilling the literature and philosophy of by the President of India on 8 August 2019. would help in achieving this. terrorism in the mind of the youth is declared • There is a better need for coordination a terrorist, then there need be no with the States and an all-inclusive objection to this. structure is needed at the national The Minister also stated that level through cooperation of multi terrorism lies in the mind of the agencies and joint task forces. Many individual, not in the terrorist more offences such as espionage, organisations. It is the group money laundering, drug trafficking, which constitutes an organisation. hijacking, bioterrorism, narco-terrorism If terrorism lies in the mind of a etc, which also needed to be covered person, it cannot be checked under the ambit of scheduled offences. just by putting a ban on the Prevention is more important than organisation. The Minister felt execution and prosecution. that it is the primary responsibility • Prosecuting agencies must work in of the Government to uproot close coordination with the other allied terrorism and as such the agencies like the Investigation Bureau, provision to declare an individual Directorate of Revenue Intelligence as a terrorist was imperative to etc, to ensure that they are equipped be included in the Bill. Such to prevent rather than merely to provisions already exist in prosecute. other countries of the world. In • National security is the moral addition to that, the procedure for responsibility of any Government. If declaring an individual terrorist there are terrorists, there has to be zero had been carefully drafted so tolerance. that it cannot be misused. The • There are general cases of innocent provisions dealing with the rights

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CPA Patron, Officers, Executive Committee, Regional Representatives, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee and CPA Regional Secretaries CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS PATRON: VICE-PATRON: AND THE ATLANTIC Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Vacant (Canada Federal) Head of the Commonwealth Hon. Bridgid Annisette-George, MP, Speaker of the House, CPA Executive Committee Trinidad & Tobago, (2017-2021)* Executive Committee Members’ dates of membership are indictated below each name.

Portrait of The Queen © John Swannell/Camera Press Correct at time of printing. *Terms extended as no CPA General Assembly held in 2018 and 2020. Hon. Andy Glenn Daniel, MP Speaker of the House of Officers Regional AUSTRALIA Assembly, St Lucia, (2019-2022) Representatives PRESIDENT: (2019-2021)*: Hon. Dwayne Taylor, MHA, Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, President Hon. Anthony Rota, MP, Speaker of the House of AFRICA of the Legislative Council, New Speaker of the House of Assembly, Turks & Caicos South Wales, (2016-2021)*, Also Commons (Canada Federal) (2019-2022) Hon. Bernard Songa Sibalatani, CPA Vice-Chairperson. MP, Vice-Chairperson of the VICE-PRESIDENT: (2019-2021)*: INDIA National Council, Namibia Hon. Bruce Atkinson, MLC Rt Hon. Aaron Mike Oquaye, MP, (2016-2021)* Victoria, (2017-2021)* Speaker of Parliament (Ghana) Shri Premchand Aggarwal, MLA Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Hon. Lazarous Chungu Bwalya, Senator Hon. Scott Ryan, CHAIRPERSON OF THE Uttarakhand , (2016-2021)* MP, Zambia President of the Senate EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE To complete term started by another (2016-2021)* Australia Federal, (2019-2022) (2017-2021)*: Member. Hon. Emilia Monjowa Lifaka, MP Hon. Dr Makali Mulu, MP BRITISH ISLANDS AND Shri Hitendra Goswami, MLA Deputy Speaker (Cameroon) Kenya MEDITERRANEAN Speaker of the Legislative (2017-2021)* Assembly, Assam, (2017-2021)* VICE-CHAIRPERSON Hon. Stuart McMillan, MSP (2019-2021)*: Rt Hon. Sephiri Enoch Scotland (stand-by Branch for Shri Anurag Sharma, MP, Lok Hon. John Ajaka, MLC Motanyane, MP, Speaker of the ), (2016-2021)* Sabha, India Union, (2019-2022) President of the Legislative National Assembly, Lesotho Council (New South Wales) (2017-2021)* Hon. Leona Roberts, MLA PACIFIC Regional Representative, Falkland Islands, (2017-2021)* Australia Region (2016-2021)* Hon. Mensah Bonsu, MP Hon. Clayton Mitchell, MP Ghana, (2019-2022) Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP New Zealand, (2016-2021)* TREASURER (2019-2022): United Kingdom, (2019-2022) Hon. Datuk Shamsul Iskander Rt Hon. Dr Abass Bundu, MP Hon. Francesca Semoso, MHR Md. Akin, MP (Malaysia) Speaker of the Parliament of CANADA Deputy Speaker, Bougainville, Sierra Leone, (2019-2022) (2017-2021)* COMMONWEALTH WOMEN Hon. François Paradis, MNA, PARLIAMENTARIANS (CWP) ASIA Québec, (2016-2021)* To complete Hon. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau CHAIRPERSON (2019-2022): term started by other Member. Speaker of Parliament of Fiji Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Hon. Dr Fehmida Mirza, MP (2019-2022) MNA (Pakistan) Pakistan, (2016-2021)* Hon. Kevin Murphy, MHA SOUTH-EAST ASIA Speaker of the House of CPA SMALL BRANCHES Hon. Dr Lal Chand Ukrani, MPA Assembly, Nova Scotia CHAIRPERSON Hon. Suhaizan Kayat, MLA, Sindh, (2017-2021)* (2017-2021)* (2019-2022): Speaker of State Legislative Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of Assembly, (2016-2021)* Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, MP Hon. Yasmin Ratansi, MP Parliament (Cook Islands) Speaker of Parliament Canada Federal Hon. Mr Zainal Sapari, MP Sri Lanka, (2019-2022) The CPA Coordinating Committee (2019-2022) Singapore, (2017-2021)* comprises the CPA Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, CPA Small Branches Chairperson Hon. Datuk Wira Dr Mohd Hatta and Commonwealth Women *Executive Committee Members’ terms extended as no CPA General Md Ramli, MP, Malaysia (2019- Parliamentarians (CWP) Chairperson. Assembly held in 2018 and 2020. 2022)

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CPA Small Branches Steering Committee CPA Regional CANADA CPA SMALL BRANCHES CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS Secretaries Mr Michel Patrice CHAIRPERSON AND THE ATLANTIC Parliament of Canada Hon. Niki Rattle, Speaker of the Hon. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, AFRICA Parliament of the Cook Islands JP, Speaker of the Legislative Mr Steven Kagaigai CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS & (2019-2022) Assembly, Parliament of Tanzania ATLANTIC Cayman Islands, (2019-2020) Mr Pedro E. Eastmond AFRICA Also: Vice-Chairperson of the ASIA Hon. Gervais Henrie, MNA CPA Small Branches. Mr Syed Shamoon Hashmi Seychelles INDIA (2019-2021) PACIFIC Smt Snehlata Shrivastava Hon.Tofa Nafoitoa Talaimanu AUSTRALIA Parliament of India AUSTRALIA Keti, MP, Samoa Ms Alex Cullum Hon. Joy Burch, MLA (2019-2022) Parliament of Australia PACIFIC Speaker of the Legislative Ms Wendy Hart Assembly, Australian Capital SOUTH-EAST ASIA BRITISH ISLANDS & Parliament of New Zealand Territory (2019-2021) Hon. Dato’ Haji Hamdan bin MEDITERRANEAN Bahari, MLA, Speaker of the Mr Jon Davies SOUTH-EAST ASIA BRITISH ISLANDS AND Legislative Assembly, Perlis Parliament of the United Mrs Roosme Hamzah MEDITERRANEAN (2019-2020) Kingdom Deputy Lyndon Trott Guernsey The CPA Small Branches Steering Committee comprises the CPA Small CPA Headquarters Secretariat (2019-2020) Branches Chairperson and seven Members who represent the seven out Mr Jarvis Matiya CANADA of the nine Regions of the CPA with Acting CPA Secretary-General Small Branches. Hon. Nils Clarke, MLA Speaker of the Legislative Commonwealth Parliamentary Tel: +44 (0)20 7799 1460 Assembly, Yukon Association, CPA Headquarters Email: [email protected] (2019-2022) Secretariat, Richmond House, www.cpahq.org Houses of Parliament, London Twitter @CPA_Secretariat SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom Facebook.com/CPAHQ

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Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Steering Committee

CWP PRESIDENT ASIA CANADA Vacant Ms Munaza Hassan, MNA Ms Laura Ross, MLA PACIFIC Canada Federal Pakistan Saskatchewan Ms Anahila Kanongata’a- (2019-2021) (2018-2021) (2017-2020) Suisuiki, MP New Zealand Parliament CWP CHAIRPERSON AUSTRALIA CARIBBEAN, AMERICAS (2017-2020) Hon. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Hon. Michelle O’Byrne, MP AND THE ATLANTIC MNA, Pakistan Tasmania Hon. Jeannine Giraudy- SOUTH-EAST ASIA (2019-2022) Acting CWP Rep (2019-2022) McIntyre, MP Hon. Alice Lau Kiong Yieng, MP President of the Senate, St Malaysia AFRICA BRITISH ISLANDS AND Lucia (2019-2022) Hon. Zainab Gimba, MP MEDITERRANEAN (2018-2021) Nigeria Hon. Margaret Mitchell, MSP (2019-2022) Scotland INDIA Also CWP Vice-Chairperson Acting CWP Rep (2019-2022) Smt. Kirron Kher, MP (2019-2020) Lok Sabha, India (2017-2020) SUBSCRIBE TODAY THE PARLIAMENTARIAN

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