Lord Fakanua, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga is attending the 51^st Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference in Melbourne, from July 4-8.

Held under a theme, Democracy’s Way Forward, facing many challenges in a rapidly changing world, the Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Parliaments conference aims to revitalize democracy.

The Legislative Assembly stated on 6 June, that the Presiding Officers and Clerks will present papers in topics relating to the conference theme.

Lord Fakafanua will present his speech on 'Parliament’s engagement with the community in Tonga'. 

He joins not only Speakers but Clerks from around the Pacific, New Zealand and Australian States and Federal Parliament, sharing experiences and learning from one another at the conference, hosted by the Parliament of Victoria.

The President of the Victoria Legislative Council, Hon. Nazih Elasmar was elected conference Chair and the Speaker of the Solomon Islands Hon. Patteson John Oti, as deputy.

Hon. Tony Smith, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives delivered the keynote address at the conference. He said that democracy is more than just an election, it is what comes after the election. Speakers and Clerks are joint custodians of the chambers and Speakers wanted clerks to offer them frank and fearless advice, he said.

Topics discussed on the first day included managing risks to strengthening parliamentary scrutiny of government and other functions in times of change, including security and management of parliamentary precincts, public and media access, and intrusive powers of law enforcement agencies.

Participants will also present a country report.

Lord Fakafanua is accompanied by the Deputy Clerk Sione Vikilani and 'Amelia Taufa.

The annual conference has not been held since 2019, due to the COVID pandemic.