For release 3 October 2016

MPs meet in Adelaide to consider initiatives to make Parliament more effective for society

Deputy Speaker, Hon Chester Borrows MP and Kris Faafoi MP, will take part in the Australasian Study of Parliament Group (ASPG) Annual Conference in Adelaide, Australia from 5–7 October 2016.

The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament, Rt Hon David Carter, says “the annual ASPG conference is a valuable professional development opportunity for Members of Parliament. It provides a useful forum for different parts of civil society, from academics to interested members of the public, to share their unique perspectives on making Parliament more effective for the society it represents. Our New Zealand participants will be able to work collaboratively with the Australians to consider how to balance the important principle of public accessibility to Parliament with the ongoing security concerns faced around the globe today.”

The ASPG seeks to encourage and stimulate research, writing and teaching about parliaments in Australasia and the South Pacific in order to generate a better understanding of these institutions. New Zealand has its own chapter of the ASPG, in addition to each State and Territory of Australia. The organisation is politically non-partisan and membership constitutes parliamentary staff; academics; writers; journalists; students and those interested in the role Parliament plays in society.

New Zealand was proud to host last year’s successful ASPG conference, which brought university students together with seasoned politicians to work on strategies to modernise Parliament for future generations. This year’s theme of The Restoration and Enhancement of Parliaments’ Reputation will take discussions further as participants discuss initiatives to strengthen public trust and confidence in parliamentary processes and decision making. Participants will return to their home Parliaments with effective strategies to enhance transparency and improve the relationship between Parliament and the people.

ENDS

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