Australia commits to fund Parliament Office facilities

11 August 2018, 12:00AM

Australia has committed to fund a new Legislative Assembly office as part of Samoa’s new Parliament House Project.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Julia Bishop announced the funding as an addition to the money Australia has already committed to building the new parliament building.

The amount of new funding for the Legislative Branch Office  infrastructure for staff and Members of Parliament was not revealed by Bishop but she reiterated her government’s stand to fund the Parliament Project as a simply of defending democracy.

“The reason Australia agreed to support an infrastructure like this is because we believe democracy matters,” Bishop said.

“And we believe that democratic institutions needed to be defended, promoted and protected. The rule of law in a democratic society must also be upheld. 

“So this building is the symbol of accountability and transparency of high levels of governance of Members of Parliament putting the interests of people above their own interests.

“And that’s why we support the funding of the Parliament House.”

Announcing the additional funding for the Legislature Office facilities, Bishop noted that it is an example of Australia’s long standing and enduring commitment to Samoa.

“Our relationship will endure because we are reliable partners, we are trusted friends and we are family.

 “The Parliament House will stand as a simple of Australia’s deep and enduring engagement with Samoa, our love and affection for the people of Samoa.

“Long may Australia and Samoa be the closet and dearest of friends.”

11 August 2018, 12:00AM

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