Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives
22 November 2017

Deputy Speakers from Pacific Region gather for professional development programme

Deputy Speaker Hon Anne Tolley MP is in Canberra this week participating in the Inter-Parliamentary Study Programme for Deputy Speakers of Pacific Parliaments. The programme is hosted by the Parliament of Australia, and brings together twelve deputy speakers and equivalents from across the region.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Trevor Mallard, 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.”

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

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

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, particularly dealing retrospectively with points of order in the House and disorderly conduct.

The Deputy Speaker will be attending the programme on 23 and 24 November 2017, returning to New Zealand for the House sitting the following week.

ENDS

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