Not quite there

One comment that emerged during the debate in this session of parliament on the Budget was that we were no longer classified by the ADB (bank) as a developing country and in fact we were almost at that point where we could be called a developed country.
Well, not quite.
This view, so it was put, was because here we were, a small nation of less than 20,000 people yet our appropriation was nearing $200 million. When self government was imposed 45 years ago, our government’s appropriation was less than $2 million.
In terms of institutional maturity, we’re not quite there either.
In fact, politically, we could be said to have gone backwards. Although the building of a new parliament building may not be considered to be a priority, having no proper parliament building has contributed to this backsliding on the part of our MPs and the institution of parliament itself. How the parliamentary staff manage to hold things together is a minor miracle.
Having no proper parliament building means we lack an environment for the proper functioning of our highest and most important institution.
In the debating chamber where the important business of law making takes place, the very cramped conditions mean Minister’s advisors cannot be seated behind Ministers to give advice when it is sorely needed.
Lack of parliamentary offices for the MPs means they are dispersed and do not have their colleagues nearby to consult nor the close proximity of parliamentary staff and resources to consult.
Lack of working space puts MPs and parliamentary staff under pressure.
Little wonder then that our MPs lack knowledge of some very basic procedures and conventions which every MP should know backwards like Standing Orders, how to understand the Budget document and the electoral process.
Lack of facilities for the media such as a press gallery, hinders the promotion of parliament and the work of MPs as an important democratic process.
The building being close to a busy main road, is not sound proofed and traffic noise is distracting.
The building is at risk of damage by sea surge during cyclones, cannot be properly secured against a terrorist attack and has no sprinkler system to protect important documents from fire.
Before we celebrate the 50th year of self government, a new parliament needs to be built and the work should be a priority.

By Charles Pitt

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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