Fijian parliamentarians have recently engaged in a professional development initiative at the Victorian Parliament, with a focus on enhancing parliamentary oversight and accountability mechanisms. The program, which falls under a twinning partnership established in 2014 between the Victorian and Fiji Parliaments and supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has provided invaluable learning experiences for the Fijian representatives.
Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Chair of the Fiji Parliament’s Public Accounts Sub-committee, emphasized the significance of their visit, stating it was a valuable opportunity to understand the crucial role played by parliamentary committees. He noted the lessons learned about the importance of transparency and accountability, particularly pointing to the Victorian Parliament’s robust scrutiny of ministers during budget estimates discussions.
“During our visit, I witnessed how ministers are thoroughly prepared to answer for their budgets, signifying that accountability is taken seriously here in Victoria. This is a culture we aim to foster back in Fiji,” Niudamu remarked.
Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Sub-committee, Joseph Nand, echoed these sentiments, noting the program’s timely focus on oversight functions and the operations of accountability mechanisms. He highlighted the professionalism he observed, which he believes sets a new standard for the Fiji Parliament to strive towards. “This experience allows us to improve our parliamentary performance and fosters respect among members,” Nand stated.
Additionally, the Fijian MPs had the chance to engage with Victoria’s Fijian community, further enriching their understanding and strengthening local ties during their visit.
This adoption of best practices in oversight and accountability reflects Fiji’s ongoing commitment to fortifying its democratic institutions, as previously highlighted by Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko. The focus on transparency and enhanced citizen engagement depicted in Jitoko’s discussions aligns with efforts made during the recent 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly and initiatives for gender-sensitive legislation.
The professional development program not only enhances individual members’ capacities but also signals a progressive move toward establishing a more accountable and transparent parliamentary system in Fiji, ultimately benefiting its citizens and reinforcing democratic principles. There’s a shared optimism that these initiatives will further elevate Fiji’s governance standards as the nation continues to navigate its path towards political stability and social inclusivity.
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