Lau Susuga i le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga

Lau Afioga i le Tamaitai Palemia ma le Kapeneta, ma Minisita Lagolago

Lau Afioga i le Fofoga Fetalai ma Sui Mamalu o le Palemene

Lau Afioga i le Failautusi o le Fono Aoao Faitulafono

Members of the Diplomatic Corp

Le Mamalu o le au valaaulia

Oute fa’atalofa atu i le pa’ia ma le mamalu o Samoa ua potopoto.

Prime Minister, it is an honour to join you and distinguished representatives of your Government to celebrate the groundbreaking for construction of the new Legislative Assembly Office.

We are gathered here today to witness a milestone that celebrates Samoa’s parliamentary processes, rule of law, and democratic institutions.

I am deeply conscious that we gather on the sacred grounds of Tiafau, steeped in your traditions and political history, and memorialised in your oratory, songs, and storytelling as the Malae o le Fa’autugātagi a Samoa.

A sacred meeting place of your ancestors, handed down through generations, where collective decisions have been made for the welfare and security of all Samoans.

We honour those who have paved the way for us. Their traditions continue to the present day.

And it is Australia’s honour to be a small contributor to preserving and supporting these traditions. Our partnership with Samoa is providing new buildings for the institutions that stand on these sacred grounds – first through the Maota Fono, and now through the Legislative Assembly Office.

These institutions help to uphold the democratic values that both our countries hold dear, for the benefit of every citizen.

As tides of conflict and authoritarianism wash at the shores of peace and stability, we must continue to invest in maintaining the foundations of our sovereignty.

The new Legislative Assembly Office will service Samoa’s Members of Parliament and the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, helping you to fulfil your role as representatives and servants of the Samoan people.

The building will be modern, energy efficient and climate resilient to support the 21st century needs of Samoa’s parliamentary processes.

Last year, Pacific Islands Forum leaders agreed to a set of ‘quality infrastructure’ principles.

Our partnership – Australia, OCLA, and the Samoan Government steering committee – is committed to delivering these principles through this project:

• Climate resilience and energy efficiency are fundamental to the design.

• the procurement approach has emphasised the use of local labour, developing local talent and supporting local business. Over 60% of contract value expensed through local firms.

• Inclusivity through the design and construction is non-negotiable – including for women, people with disabilities and under-represented groups.

• And with responsible financing, fully funded by Australia, underlining our commitment to our Pacific aiga.

Reeves International is a high-quality construction contractor with vast experience in the Pacific region – it is well placed to deliver on these expectations.

In closing, may I sincerely thank Minister Toelupe and the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and your OCLA colleagues for making the arrangements for this celebration today and for the enduring spirit of partnership which has brought us to this point.

My hope is this new Legislative Assembly Office, along with the Maota Fono, will be an enduring symbol of Samoa and Australia’s partnership and common values that we celebrate today.

Faafetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

William Robinson is the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa.