THE 53rd Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference (POCC) concluded in Adelaide, South Australia on Thursday, 11th of July 2024.
This annual conference brought together Speakers and Clerks from Australian State Parliament including the Federal Parliament, New Zealand, and the Pacific Parliaments including Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga Lord Fakafanua, Hon. Dr. Mo’ale ‘Otunuku People’s Representative Vava’u 14 and Gloria Pole’o, Chief Clerk of Tonga Parliament.
The annual Presiding Officer’s and Clerk’s Conference serves as a crucial platform for sharing experiences, discussing developments in parliamentary practices, and addressing important issues facing each Parliament.
Speaker’s and Clerks and Members of Parliament from 22 Parliaments, across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific were represented in the Conference.
Participants presented various papers in different topics including, reflections on 20 years of legislative changes in the Victorian Parliament, highlighting advancements and lessons learned.
Discussions on the balance between efficiency and effectiveness in parliamentary operations, exploring strategies for optimizing legislative outcomes.
Exploration of gender equity in parliamentary leadership, culminating in discussions on empowering and sustaining women leaders in parliament.
The Clerk of the New Zealand House of Representatives addressed innovative approaches to constitutional challenges through procedural reforms, offering insights into enhancing democratic processes.
South Australia showcased its Community Education and Engagement program, emphasizing the importance of regional strategies in enhancing public engagement with parliamentary processes.
Each participating Parliament, including Tonga represented by Lord Fakafanua and Gloria Pole’o, Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, presented comprehensive country reports. Tonga’s country report attracted attention from Speakers and Clerks respectively. This provided an opportunity to share legislative achievements, challenges, and strategies for future development.
Accompanying the delegation from Tonga are Sione Vikilani Deputy Clerk, Senior Assistant Legal Counsel Annis Taumoepeau, and Amelia Taufa.
Nauru will host the 54th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference in 2025.