In preparation for the first sitting of a new term of parliament and following the return of the writ for the 2022 General Election, the parliament secretariat organised an induction program for all 55 elected members of parliament.
The induction program was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
In his address, Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau said the induction was to prepare the newly-elected parliamentarians for the swearing-in ceremony.
“The primary aim of this one-day induction is to prepare for the swearing-in ceremony and other initial processes that we need to undertake before Parliament starts its work in earnest,” Ratu Epeli said.
“I would like to emphasise that a workshop such as this and training for members of parliament, whether you are a new or old member, is an ongoing process.
“MP’s training and capacity building is firmly mainstreamed into the work of parliament and especially in the work plans of the Secretariat.
“In partnership with our development partners like the UNDP, our partner Parliament’s in Australia, New Zealand and beyond, our inter-parliamentary forums like Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Inter- parliamentary Union (IPU), we provide numerous opportunities for ongoing capacity building and awareness with the aim of ensuring that members undertake their parliamentary functions effectively and efficiently.
“At this juncture, I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support from the UNDP Fiji Parliament Support Program which is kindly funded by the governments of Australia New Zealand and Japan.”
Ratu Epeli also congratulated the newly-elected parliamentarians.
“Let me congratulate each and every one of you elected members for successful election into the Fijian parliament.
“As you all know, you are now representatives of all Fijians irrespective of which party you belong to.
“The hard work of heeding the call of duty to carry out your parliamentary constitutional duties has already begun and I wish you all the very best in the new parliamentary term.
“This one day induction workshop is very important for all elected members as preparatory requirements before Parliament sits for the first time.
“Please note that another week long and more intensive induction program is scheduled for January. You will be duly notified ahead of time.
“Today the secretarial team will focus mostly on the approach services and procedures to be undertaken at the first meeting and swearing-in and some important administrative and workplace matters that requires your attention and of course some of the basic information about parliament and its role for our incoming new members.”
Section 67(1) of the Fijian Constitution provides that after a General Election of Members of Parliament, the Parliament shall be summoned to meet by the President no later than 14 days after the announcement of the results of the General Election.
