Office of the Speaker of the NZ House of Representatives
Rt Hon Trevor Mallard

For release: 21 November 2018

Pacific region Speakers gather for professional development programme in Canberra

Deputy Speaker Hon Anne Tolley MP is in Canberra this week participating in the Inter-Parliamentary Study Programme for Speakers of Pacific Parliaments. The programme is hosted by the Parliament of Australia, and brings together eight speakers, deputy speakers and equivalents from across the region. Parliaments represented include the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Cook Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, said “I am pleased that the Deputy Speaker will be joining with her counterparts to share procedural knowledge and further develop chairing skills. The role of the Presiding Officer is critical in ensuring House business is progressed efficiently, the rules of procedure are applied consistently, and areas for reform and innovation are identified” he said.

“Speaker-led diplomacy is a key part of the New Zealand Parliament’s inter-parliamentary relations strategy, aimed at enhancing international cooperation and strengthening parliamentary democracy. Presiding officers play an important and emerging role in fostering relationships at the highest level in our parliaments. The Deputy Speaker has developed excellent relationships in the Pacific and does a lot of important work representing our Parliament in the region.”

The programme will involve a range of presenters, including the current and former Speakers of the Australian Parliament, senior Clerks, and academics. The participants will also visit the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly and meet with the Speaker and Clerk.

Participants will have the opportunity to speak about developments in their own parliaments during two workshops. Hon Anne Tolley will be making a contribution on the maintenance of order and interjections during passionate debates.

The Deputy Speaker will be participating in the programme from 22 to 27 November 2018.

ENDS

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