Commonwealth parliamentarians and clerks from various Asia Pacific nations are gathering in Nadi today for a three-day workshop aimed at enhancing methods for scrutinizing government spending. Delegates from eleven different parliaments, including regions such as the Cook Islands, Fiji, India, Malaysia, Maldives, New South Wales, Niue, Pakistan, Solomon Islands, Tasmania, and the United Kingdom, will collectively focus on the pivotal role of Public Accounts Committees (PACs).
The workshop invites forty representatives to share their skills, experiences, and expertise in relation to PACs. These discussions will not only center on the challenges faced but also on innovative approaches to improve financial oversight. Participants will explore effective use of parliamentary resources, techniques for preparing inquiries, questioning methods, and the importance of cross-party collaboration.
The event, organized by the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) in conjunction with the Parliament of Fiji, marks the third PAC regional workshop hosted by CPA UK, reflecting a growing commitment to enhancing parliamentary practices across the Commonwealth.
Fijian Parliament Speaker, Filimone Jitoko, emphasized the crucial role PACs play in promoting governance, financial oversight, and fostering collaboration among nations. Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, Chair of the UK Parliament’s PAC, underscored the increasing global uncertainties, stating that ensuring value for money, controlling government spending, and maintaining transparency are more critical than ever.
This workshop stands as an opportunity not only to strengthen the efficiency of PACs but also to build a unified front in governance accountability throughout the Commonwealth. With the shared experiences and strategies among delegates, there is a hopeful outlook for improved governance that can lead to more trust in public institutions across the region.
Furthermore, such collaborative efforts and initiatives will contribute positively to enhancing transparency and accountability in public administration, essential for ensuring that government actions serve the interests of all citizens involved.
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