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The Chairperson’sQuarterly ReportIssue 4 Autumn/Winter 2012/13
Inside this Issue
• ipcgp
• 5THcYp
• CPAIndiaDelhi, Orissa &Andhra Pradesh
• MeetingwiththeCPAPresident
• CPACoordinatingCommittee
• Chairperson’sGallery
• Chairperson’sDiary
andmuchmore...
This fourth edition of the Quarterly Report covers for the first part the period after the Annual Conference. This issue, as with its predecessors, gives an update on my activities on behalf of the Association, such as my trips to Cape Town to meet with the CPA President and the meeting of the Coordinating Committee in December. The report also looks at the conferences and seminars in which I have had the honour of participating. Examples of these are the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament and the International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics, both of which took place in London. I am also offering insight in to some of the issues impacting upon the Association over the last few months.
Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MPChairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee
2
The International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics 2012 (IPCG&P) took place in the Houses of Parliament in London between the 6th and 8th November 2012.
IPCG&P was jointly hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) and the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU), in accordance with the organisations’ shared purpose of strengthening parliamentary democracy through inter-parliamentary dialogue. Since its initial conception, I have been a strong supporter of this Conference highlighting its importance in bringing together just two of the many women based international organisations to support the progression of gender equality in politics. As mentioned in the following article I am a passionate advocate of advancing the status and role of the CWP.
As CPA Chairperson, I had the honour of opening the Conference with my colleague, CPA Executive Committee Regional Representative, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods MP (Chairperson of the Conference
International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics, London
Steering Committee). I was also particularly pleased to note the attendance and participation of the CWP Chairperson, Speaker the Hon. Alix Boyd-Knights MHA, who gave an impassioned speech on the need for all women parliamentarians to “collaborate, collaborate, collaborate”.
The Honourable Chairperson was joined by many other leaders in the CWP, including the Vice-Chairperson, Myrna Driedger MLA, former Vice-Chairperson, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga MP and CWP
Steering Committee member from Malaysia, Hon. Dato Noraini Ahmad MP.
Sixty delegates representing fifty countries from around the world attended, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Topics ranged from national case studies, the
democratic deficit inherent in underrepresentation of women in parliaments, media and social media, tools for empowerment, political parties and quotas, and on the final day, gender based violence.
At each session there were a range of panellists, such as Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, academics and International and National NGO representatives. The sessions were dynamic, topical and passionate.
A key aspect of the Conference was to have a strong and lasting legacy. As well as issuing a communiqué, delegates were encouraged to join an online forum to enable them to continue to share experiences, challenges and successes on all fronts. The first issue on which delegates were encouraged to contribute was on the priority theme for the 5th Meeting on the Commission for Status of Women, Violence Against Women.
The Conference was a huge success in part due to the engagement of the attendees, but also the excellent organisation of the event and how all the salient issues were included in the programme. I am hopeful that such Conferences can occur more frequently across the Commonwealth, perhaps something that CWP will wish to take forward?
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
DEMOCRACY
DEMOCRACY
LAW
DEMOCRACYHUMAN
DEMOCRACY
QUOTAS
QUOTAS
QUOTAS
QUOTAS
HUMAN RIGHTS
MICROFINANCE
MICROFINANCE
PARLIAMENT
MICROFINANCE
MICROFINANCE
CAUCUS
CAUCUS
CAUCUS
SHORTLISTING
SHORTLISTING
SHORTLISTING
POLICYMAKING
HUMAN RIGHTS
LEGISLATION
LEGISLATION
LEGISLATION
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTLEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
FAMILIES
FAMILIES
FAMILIES
FAMILIES
INSPIRATION
POLITICS
INSPIRATIONG E N D E R PARTICIPATION IN PARLIAMENT
GENDER PARTICIPATION
IN PARLIAMENT
CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION
CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION
CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION
CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION
CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION
CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION
ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS
WOMEN AS AGENTS OFC H A N G E
WOMEN AS AGENTS OFC H A N G E
ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS
ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS
ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS
WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
F O R C E D MARRIAGE
F O R C E D MARRIAGE
PUBLIC LIFE
F O R C E D MARRIAGE
MATRIARCHS
MATRIARCHS
MATRIARCHS
MATRIARCHS
EMPOWERMENT
MATRIARCHS
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
POWER
POWER
POWER
POWER
YOUTH
YOUTHYOUTH
YOUTH
YOUTH
STEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPES
HUMAN RIGHTS
STEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPES
HUMAN RIGHTS
PUBLIC OPINION
JUSTICE
JUSTICE
AND
STEREOTYPESSTEREOTYPES
STEREOTYPES
JUSTICE
JUSTICE
JUSTICE
JUSTICE
PERCEPTIONS
PERCEPTIONS
MEN
MEN
OF
SKILLS
SKILLS
PERCEPTIONS
PERCEPTIONS
PERCEPTIONS
PERCEPTIONS
PERCEPTIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS
WOMEN
HUMAN RIGHTS
NETWORKS
GENDER
NETWORKS
NETWORKSVOTES
VOTES
NETWORKS
NETWORKS
NETWORKS
NETWORKS
NETWORKS RIGHTS
PAY
FEMINISM
FEMINISMGLASS CEILING
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
GLASS CEILING
GLASS CEILING
GLASS CEILING
FAMILIES
BUSINESSFEMINISM
ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY
ADVOCACY
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
EMPOWERMENTDEVELOPMENT
EQUAL PAY
EQUAL PAY
EQUAL PAY
EQUAL PAY
PAY
SOLIDARITYLEADERS
HUMAN RIGHTS
SOLIDARITY
SOLIDARITY
OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
OPPORTUNITY
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ENTREPRENEURSHIPDISCRIMINATION
DISCRIMINATION
REPRESENTATION
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS
GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS
EQUALITY AUDITING
EQUALITY AUDITING
EQUALITY AUDITING
MEDIA
MEDIA AND P O L I T I C S
MEDIA AND POLITICS
MEDIA AND POLITICS
REPRESENTATION INPARLIAMENT
REPRESENTATION INPARLIAMENT
PARLIAMENTIN
RETENTION AND QUALITY
OF EDUCATION
RETENTIONAND QUALITYOF EDUCATION
RETENTION AND QUALITYOF EDUCATION
G E N D E R
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE
ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS
VOTES
ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
MENTORING
MEN
DISCRIMINATION
HUMAN RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
SKILLS
SKILLS
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
GENDER MAINSTREAMING
RIGHTS
RIGHTS
RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
NETWORKS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament
6 - 8 NOVEMBER 2012
INTERNATIONALPARLIAMENTARY
CONFERENCE
GENDER ANDON
POLITICS
CPA UK BranchWestminster HallHouses of ParliamentLondon SW1A 0AA
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7219 5373Fax: +44 (0) 20 7233 1202
BGIPUBritish Group Inter-Parliamentary UnionPalace of WestminsterLondon SW1A 0AA
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7219 3011Fax: +44 (0) 20 7219 8780
International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics:Representation of Women in Parliament, Politics and Public Life
6 - 8 November 2012
Email: [email protected]
www.parliament.uk/genderconference2012#genderconference2012
Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament
Former CWP Vice-Chairperson and Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga MP
CWP Vice-Chairperson, Myrna Driedger MLA
CWP Chairperson, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dominica, Hon. Alix Boyd-Knights MHA
3
Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians - Future Developments
Meeting with the CPA PresidentNov 2012
It is with great pleasure that I write this article to announce that the proposals I made to the CWP Steering Committee for its meeting in Sri Lanka are making real progress. Two issues that I expressed a desire to see was an increased amount of funding allocated to CWP regional activities. I am pleased that the Coordinating Committee has approved an increase, taking that total to £100,000 for the 2013-2014 year, I am confident that the Executive Committee will ratify this decision. This money I am certain will expand CWP activities on the ground which is essential if there is to be long-term tangible progress in gender equality.
The other suggestion was to see the development of CWP regional structures. This has been progressed through the International Secretariat and I am hopeful that this will be taken up by all regions that haven’t already done so. I know for a fact that the BIMR Region will be taking this forward at its meeting in the Falkland Islands and I hope a CWP
BIMR Steering Committee and Secretariat will be in place before the Annual Conference in August.
It was disappointing that the CWP Chairperson was unable to be present for the Coordinating Committee in London. I am hopeful that the decisions above will leave a real tangible legacy when her term of office expires in September. I shall support the proposal at the Executive Committee to allow the CWP Chairperson back on to the Coordinating Committee which I feel was an oversight by General
I believe it is very important that, as CPA Chairperson, I work as closely as possible with the President of the Association. Although the Constitution is not precise on the role and responsibilities of the President, I believe that it should be more than just an honorary title given to the host of the next Annual Conference. With that in mind, I arranged to meet with the new President as soon as possible after the Annual Conference.
In November, I travelled to Cape Town for two days. There I met with Chairperson Mahlangu and we spoke on a number of issues relating to the Association. Topics ranged from the status of the CPA, the forthcoming visit by South African
Assembly when it approved the Working Party Recommendations at its last meeting.
parliamentarians to Sri Lanka and the planning of the 59th CPC in Johannesburg.
As part of my visit was to meet with the Conference Team, I met with Malose Dolo, who confirmed my belief that the planning and organisation were on schedule and that the team was set to create an outstanding conference.
Whilst in Cape Town I had the pleasure to meet Speaker Sisulu, Cedric Frolick MP, who is Chairman of Committees as well as many other parliamentarians. I thank them and Chairperson Mahlangu for their time and kind and generous hospitality.
Whenever time permits, I always take the opportunity to see a more
diverse part of the city or province I am visiting. On this occasion, as I had already visited Robben Island, I was taken to the Khayelitsha Township where I met some of its residents and a number of interesting projects. If time permits, I hope to visit South Africa again before the September Conference. I have been many times over the years, but it never seems enough.
Addressing delegates at the opening session of the IPCGP
President of the CPA, Hon. Chairperson NCOP, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu
Sen. Polley, Hon. Speaker Kumar and Hon. Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle MP at the CWP Session during CPC 2013
4
Between the 4th and 7th December 2012, the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament took place in London. This was the first consecutive CYP, and took place once again in London to mark the Diamond Jubilee Year. I am extremely pleased to see the decision of the Executive Committee to make the Commonwealth Youth Parliament an annual fixture in the CPA calendar has come to fruition. CYP complements the excellent youth programme the CPA runs, such as the Commonwealth Day activities in London.
Sixty young people from around the Commonwealth attended the 5th CYP. Delegates representing legislatures as far flung as the Falkland Islands, Samoa and St Helena, as well as dozens closer to home, travelled to the UK to attend the four-day programme hosted by CPA UK and the CPA Headquarters.
Although somewhat overdressed for the occasion, due to a later engagement (see photo above), on arrival I welcomed the delegates and affirmed the CPA’s commitment to young people as the future activists, leaders and lawmakers of the Commonwealth. I urged delegates to use the opportunity to form friendships, build networks, and to
share cultures and understandings. As the Coordinating Committee
was also in London, it was fortunate to have the Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer present. Dr Nafisa Shah MNA was honoured with the role of officially opening the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament, taking the role of Governor-General and giving a Throne Speech which would outline many of the themes covered over the following days. She admirably carried out these duties. The following day, Hon. Marwick Khumalo MP gave an in-depth
and educational insight into being a parliamentarian, which many delegates later told me was a highlight of the week’s sessions. Meeting the delegates later in the week I was impressed by their enthusiasm and engagement. I uphold my statement from last year that if these are the representatives of the next generation of parliamentarians, I am optimistic for the future.
Over the four days, the joint organising team did an outstanding job putting together a broad
and diverse programme on the Westminster System, covering topics such as Committees, Ten Minute Rule Bills, adjournment debates and party political caucusing. The attention to detail was impressive to the point that mock replicas of Bills and Summary Agendas were produced impressing the Clerk of the House, Sir Robert Rogers and the Speaker, Rt Hon. John Bercow MP, who also took time to chair a session.
During the week we were joined by the Speaker of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nadendla Manohar AP, who
observed proceedings as Andhra Pradesh wishes to host the next CYP. The CPA UK planning team was also supported by Ranny Ismail, from the Speaker’s Office in the Ugandan Parliament, as Uganda hopes to run a Youth Parliament as well. It is pleasing to note that the template set down and the high benchmark set will be replicated throughout the Commonwealth. We have much to be proud of!
5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2012, London
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
SPEECH
SPEECH
TAX
TAX
POLITICAL
CAMPAIGN
POLITICS
TRADE
TRADE
ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
REFERENDUM
CONVENTION
ENVIRONMENT
PARLIAMENTARIANS
PARLIAMENTARIANS
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT
JOURNALRULES
DEVELOPMENT
RELIGION
RELIGION
THRONE
HANSARD
PEERSREFORMS
HANSARD
EQUALITY
EQUALITY
MINISTERS
MINISTERS
LAW
LAW
LAW
LAW
ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS
CHAMBERS
CHAMBERS
EXECUTIVE
HEALTHCARE
EXECUTIVE
DEBATES
DEBATES
PARLIAMENT
PARLIAMENT
PARTIES
PARTIES CONSTITUENCY
DEVOLUTION
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
CAUCUS
CAUCUS
GENDER
GENDER
CONFLICT
CONFLICT
CONFLICT
CONFLICTCONFLICT
CONFLICT
ACTIONS
ACTIONS
POWER
POWER
AMENDMENTS
BILLS
BILLS
CLERKS
CLERKS
CLERKS
PMQS
PMQS
EDMS
EDMS
EMPOWERMENT
EMPOWERMENT
VOTES
VOTES
HUMAN RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP
SCRUTINYSCRUTINY
SCRUTINY
DEMOCRACY
DEMOCRACY
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEES
COMMITTEES
ORATORY
POLICIESLOBBY
POLICIES
QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS
DEBATES
QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS
JUSTICE
JUSTICE
MANDATE
VOTES
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
HUMAN RIGHTS
HUMAN RIGHTS
UNEMPLOYMENT
UNEMPLOYMENT
CLIMATE CHANGE
CLIMATE CHANGE
PROCEEDINGS
GOOD GOVERNANCE
GOOD GOVERNANCE
LEGISLATION
BALLOTLEGISLATION
PROCEDURE
PROCEDURE
ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS
ELECTIONS
REPRESENTATION
REPRESENTATION
COMMONWEALTH
COMMONWEALTH
CONSULTATION
COMMONWEALTH
ENVIRONMENT LAW PARLIAMENTGENDERCONFLICT
BILLS VOTESCOMMITTEESPOLICIESLOBBY
CONSULTATION
Houses of Parliament
Houses of Parliament
5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament
london, united Kingdom4 - 7 deCember 2012
Addressing delegates at the Opening Ceremony
Delegates of the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament with the CPA Secretary-General and Speaker Sri Nadendla Manohar AP
5
At the 32nd Opening of the Small Branches Conference in Sri Lanka, I was slightly despondent in noticing that too few of the CPA’s small branches were represented at the meeting. I believe I am correct in recalling that the same situation occurred in London the previous year. The Small Branches Conference is an important forum for small branches; unfortunately it cannot realise its full potential when so few are able to be present. The issue of attendance was highlighted to me once again when I met with the Tongan Speaker, Lord Fakafuna and the New Zealand Representative, Moana Mackey MP in Colombo. They both saw this as a troubling development that has been reoccurring over the last few years.
Members of the Executive Committee will be aware that some branches (not necessarily small) are having difficulties in paying their subscriptions within the 90 day cut-off period. Although some branches come to the Annual Conference and pay after the deadline, others, specifically small branches in the Pacific, although able to pay late, remain at home and adhere to the rules. The Executive Committee tends to be flexible when an issue of attendance is raised before it. But as a result, it is penalising those branches that follow the rules. I share wholeheartedly the Pacific Region’s concerns.
Although the issue was covered by the Coordinating Committee in December, an agreement must be reached in Cayman to make certain
Future of Small Branches - Parity of Esteem
guidelines clear. It must also encourage the Secretariat to liaise more closely with small branches in the weeks leading up to the Conference. In my opinion the Secretariat should take a more sympathetic and enabling stance rather than act as an enforcer.
But the issue raises an overall concern that I have. No branch should be treated unequally, no matter what size, how wealthy, federal or regional, or remote. None should be given preferential treatment and I fear that some are. Small branches must not be disadvantaged in any way, nor should they be overlooked because of their size. I am please that the CPA through the Small Branches Conference engage actively with small branches, replicating many other international organisations such as the UN Forum of Small States and the Commonwealth Secretariat. But is the Small Branches Conference enough?
The Overseas Territories along with UK Crown Dependences are unfortunately not recognised as members of the Commonwealth, which means they need to make
the most of the Small Branches Conference and other forums to engage with the wider world and build strong partnerships. This is essential so that issues impacting on their territories can be addressed at an international level. Overseas Territories are just one example where the CPA can further assist in championing the issues and concerns of these
branches, many of whom face the greatest impact of the global recession and climate change.
I believe that small branches of the CPA could benefit from a Small Branches Champion or Representative who could speak on behalf of small branches and raise their concerns and hopes within the CPA, in particular the Executive Committee and perhaps the Coordinating Committee. In a similar way as the CWP Chairperson, this individual could also play an ambassadorial role: representing, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of all Commonwealth Small Branches on a global stage. They could attend the Forum of Small Branches and if the CPA receives sufficient invitations, CHOGM. Ideally, they should be elected in some way by the Conference and be an officer of the Association much like the CWP Chairperson.
I have spoken to a number of members of the Small Branches Conference, in particular the Cayman Premier and Caribbean Regional Representative, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP MP, who is supportive. This is an issue that I will be raising at the Executive Committee in the Cayman Islands, but it goes without saying that it will be down to the Small Branches Conference to decide on such an issue and to take it forward if they wish.
With the Tongan Speaker, Lord Fakafanua
Addressing delegates at the 32nd Small Branches Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka
6
Visit to CPA India Aug 2012
Due to the summer edition of the Chairperson’s Quarterly report covering the Annual Conference, I did not have the opportunity to report back on my visit to India in August; an opportunity I would like to take now. Between the 19th
and 26th August I travelled to CPA India, CPA Orissa and CPA Andhra Pradesh. I travelled predominately as Chair of CPA UK, at India’s request, leading a delegation of UK Parliamentarians, I learnt a great deal and had the honour of meeting many parliamentarians and people across the country.
The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the workings of the Parliament of India and the relationship between the Federal and Provincial legislatures and governments. It was also an opportunity to learn more about economic development on the
ground and trade toward and within India. We also briefly discussed Indian National Security and the impact of international terrorism.
Overall it was a successful, diverse and valuable opportunity for me, one that I hope to utilise as International Chairperson. There were many peer to peer exchanges and outreach visits that encouraged lively debate between parliamentary colleagues and civil society.
One of the lasting impressions I gained from the visit was on the Indian Parliamentarians’ view of the Commonwealth. Members seem to express frustration towards the Commonwealth which in their eyes has become anachronistic and needs to be relaunched to move it away from the shadow of the British
Empire. My list of thanks would be
extremely long; suffice to say I would like to thank all the Speakers especially Honourable Speaker Kumar, the Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, all the Governors, Members and staff who we met and assisted in the programme.
Wreath laying at a Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi With the Hon. Speaker, Nadendla Manohar
With the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari
With Minister for Railways, Pawan Kumar Bansal
With the Hon.Speaker Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar
7
CPC 2012 - A thank you
Extract form the View from the Chair - The Parliamentarian, Issue 3
The 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference took place in September 2012. I should like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to its host, the Speaker and the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the CPA Sri Lanka Branch and all others who were involved in organising the Conference. The event was extremely well run, with a staff of over 200 dedicated to it by the Parliament and other government departments.
I extend my thanks to those
who gave up their time to attend and contribute to this highly eventful and productive meeting. In my opinion, the highlight of the week was the day of thematic workshops covering a range of challenges facing the contemporary Commonwealth. Delegates and experts had the opportunity to debate and seek consensus on the issues such as the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group’s recommendation to appoint a Commissioner for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights.
My enduring impression from this CPC was that the expectations and objectives of all who attended were met and for many exceeded.
This gives me the assurance that this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also due to take place in Colombo, will be equally successful. I hope to have the opportunity to see it firsthand.
Addressing delegates at the CPC 2012 Opening Ceremony
At a blessing before the 32nd Small Branches Conference
Giving the keynote Address at the Lakshman Kardigamar Lecture
With other members of the Executive Committee on the opening day
8
Chairperson’s Gallery- Other meetings and Discussions
In my capacity as Chairperson of both the International and UK Executive Committees, I have had the pleasure to meet with many parliamentary visitors to London. In October I met with members of the Standing Committee on Public Administration for Western Australian. I discussed with them my experiences as Chair of the UK House of Commons Administration Committee and briefly on the CPA.
The following week was a rather busier one for me. I met with Members of a Guernsey parliamentary delegation, and with some Members of the US House of Representatives which although not very CPA orientated was something out of the norm. Then there was a delegation of members from the Bangladesh Public
Accounts Committee. I am a passionate believer that a key role for the CPA is to strengthen PACs as much as possible.
Later in October, I met with the Speaker Trotman and other parliamentarians from Guyana as well as parliamentarians from Tanzania.
In November, I met with a parliamentary delegation from the Commonwealth of Australia. We discussed the CPA and their interest in Scotland and devolution. This was the exact same interest that led to a recent delegation from Canada to come to London with whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
In mid-November, I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Committee of Public Services from Nigeria in London.
More specifically related to CPA business, I have also had meetings with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, with whom I like to keep in regular contact with. I have also met with the new UK Minister for the Commonwealth, Rt Hon. Hugo Swire MP to discuss his vision for the Commonwealth and what role specifically the CPA can play in that regard.
In November, I met with the BIMR Regional Representative, Deputy Mike O’Hara from Guernsey. We discussed the CPA and the Executive Committee meetings.
Meeting with members of the Western Australian Standing Committeee
Meeting with Nigerian Parliamentarians
Meeting with members of a Tanzanian Delegation Meeting with members of the Bangladesh Public Accounts Committee
With a member of the Guernsey Delegation
9
the Commonwealth Day Debate- Promoting the CPA and the Commonwealth
Most recently of all I had a meeting in mid-January with the Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, Hon. Fiona Simpson and I brought her up to speed on CPA developments. On the following day I met with the newly appointed Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP MP along with the Governor. As the host of the next CPA Executive Committee meeting and Caribbean Regional Representative, we had many fruitful topics to discuss.
In January I wrote to all Speakers to ask that they support the idea of holding a Commonwealth Day debate on or near the 11 March 2013. The primary purpose of holding such a debate would be to promote the Commonwealth within member nations and to educate our citizens on the principles and values of the Commonwealth. Most important and timely is the Draft Charter of the Commonwealth which Foreign Ministers approved in September. Where possible, CPA should be
doing its bit in supporting such a development. The debate will enhance the reputation of the CPA
and encourage the perception that our organisation is a predominant member of the Commonwealth family. Wherever possible, we should underline our ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth. I hope that members will do all they can in supporting such a development. I can confirm that the UK Parliament will be having a debate and I hope others will follow suit.
With Speaker Trotman and a delegation from Guyana Meeting with a delegation from Australia
Meeting with a delegation from Canada
Deputy Greffier, Simon Ross and Deputy Mike O’Hara, Guernsey
With the Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP MP
10
On the 3rd December the Coordinating Committee met in London at the CPA Headquarters. The meeting was timed to coincide with the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in which all the Officers were invited to participate. A number of matters were discussed not least the decision that for the first time the meeting would be minuted and those minutes distributed to the Executive Committee. This was one of the recommendations approved by the General Assembly to improve the transparency of the Committee.
I have covered throughout this Quarterly Report the bulk of what was discussed. However, a long and robust discussion took place around the update on reform of the CPA charitable status. Although too convoluted to go in to detail here, the nub of the issue centred on a disagreement over the advice given to the Committee from Wilson Solicitors and the direction the reform should take based on the Working Party recommendations. The issue, I hope, will be resolved at the Mid-Year Executive Committee meeting.
The Committee also discussed the CPA’s engagement with CHOGM and the goal of hosting a Commonwealth Democracy Forum. After subsequent discussions, it would seem that such a forum would need the approval of the Heads of Government. To take the issue forward, the proposal will have to be redrafted and officially presented to them. I am hopeful that the Secretary-General will be able to work on this in time, preferably in partnership with other organisations which together may have a greater chance of success. Nevertheless, we will continue to pursue an increase
CPA Coordinating Committee - Looking ahead for 2013
in representation for the CPA at CHOGM in Sri Lanka, in November.
Due to some rather disparaging remarks directed at the CPA at two recent events, I expressed a concern at the Committee meeting that more was needed to engage with the wider Commonwealth. At an UNDP MDG Forum in Manila and at another Commonwealth event in London, CPA was, I believe, wrongly accused of being unwilling to participate. It transpired that the Secretariat were unavailable due to prior commitments; however, it does increase the necessity for invitations to be disseminated to the wider Association to guarantee representation. Many within the CPA wish for greater recognition of the CPA throughout the Commonwealth and wider world, for that we need to engage to a larger degree. Perhaps on its own, it may not have meant a great deal. However, because the CPA failed also to submit any evidence to a recent UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry into the future of the Commonwealth, I feel that some work needs to be done in this
connection. Last but by no means least,
the Committee meetings looked at the structure and timing of the Executive Committee in relation to the Sub-Committees. A certain level of frustration has been expressed by Members and the Secretary-General over the difficulty as to how the Planning Review Sub-Committee can agree to programmes without knowing if funding is available and vice-versa. After much discussion it was agreed that a trial would take place. The Secretary-General proposed that the Finance Subcommittee documentation would include a list of new programmes being considered by the Planning and Review Subcommittee. On the other hand the Planning and Review Subcommittee documentation could include a tentative estimate of the amount of new funds available. Additionally the Sub-Committees could meet before the full Executive Committee. Whether this works we will have to wait and see!
The Coordinating Committee and I with the staff of the CPA Secretariat
11
In December 2012 it was announced by the Commonwealth of Australia Branch of the CPA that they were withdrawing from the Association as of the 31 December 2012.
The reasons for withdrawal were as follows:
I cannot help but be disappointed by this decision, which was supported by the Government of Australia. By our actions we have lost a founding member, this is certainly not an auspicious start in our second century. However, I am pleased that the other branches in the Australia region have chosen to remain and engage in strengthening the Association.
Whilst understanding some of the reasons given by CPA Australia for its departure, I do feel that walking away will not speed up the pace of reform. We cannot be held to ransom by any one branch, but we would be foolish if we did not heed the concerns expressed and look at ways to rectify them; otherwise we risk losing more members. Can we honestly call ourselves the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association if we comprise of only parts of the Commonwealth?
I have discussed the matter with the President of the Senate, the Hon. John Hogg who until
September had been a Regional Representative on the Executive Committee and member of the Working Party. The predominant reason behind the branch’s decision stemmed from the Executive Committees decision not to create an Audit Committee, which would
report to the Executive Committee and General Assembly.
In many countries and international organisations, there is a great deal of importance on audit conducted internally and externally with the emphasis on absolute transparency and accountability over public finances. Although there is an external audit
of the CPA’s accounts there should be internal audit as well;addressing finances and governance.
The majority within the Executive Committee and the Working Party
took the opinion that the Finance Sub-Committee performs this function and that no change is required. However some within both bodies believed that the Sub-Committee looks mostly at issues placed before it by the Secretariat and ultimately there should be a committee which would review the structure, disciplines and output of the Association. Such a committee should be empowered to examine governance, not just financial to ensure that the Association is performing to its highest capabilities, much in the same way as the Cass Business School has in reviewing staff structure and performance within the Secretariat only a few months ago.
I am concerned that the CPA has not been as closely scrutinised as it might by the members of our branches. As parliamentarians we should set a high standard and expect greater criticism if we cannot justify the efficient use of the funding we receive. We also risk lagging behind other similar organisations in our governance structures. We should not duck the challenge.
I am sure that all within the leadership of the Association are as concerned as I am and wish to see this unfortunate development as a justification to be more proactive, more engaged and willing not only to reform but listen. I know I am.
• There was a general dissatisfaction with the level of reform due to the disappointing outcomes of the Working Party;
• A lack of accountability and effectiveness which is impacting on the credibility of the Association;
• The growing disparity between the high number of programme activities undertaken at branch level compared with those at the Secretariat level;
• What is perceived to be a growing division between regions across the Association.
Withdrawal of the CPA Branch of the Commonwealth of Australia
At a meeting with the President of the Australian Senate, Hon.The John Hogg
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Chairperson’s Calendar
February2013
BIMR Conference - Falkland IslandsCPA Nothern Ireland
March 2013
Mid-Year ExCo - Cayman IslandsCPA JamaicaCPA BarbadosCPA AntiguaCPA Gibraltar
May 2013
24th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar - SingaporeCPA MalaysiaCPA CyprusCPA Nigeria
July 2013
51st CPA Canadian Regional Conference - Edmonton, Canada62ndWestminster Seminar - London
August2013
CPC 2013 - South Africa
September 2013
CPA Malta
November2013
CHOGM 2013 - Sri Lanka
Past Visits
August 2012
CPA India
September 2012
CPC 2012 - Sri Lanka
November2012
Cape Town, RSAGender Conference - London
December 2012
5th CYP - London
Contact meI am eager to be as accessible as possible, so please contact me as often as you want if there is an issue you want to discuss.My contact details are as follows:
Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP1 St Stephens TowerPalace of WestminsterLondonSW1A 0AA
Tel: +44 (0) 207 219 5214/3340Email: [email protected] [email protected] address: www.cpahq.org/cpahq/mem/default.aspxwww.siralanhaselhurst.net/
The Chairperson’s Quarterly Report is a newsletter produced with the help and resources of CPA UK. Images are supplied courtesy of the Houses of Parliament and CPA UK. Editor and contributor: Sir Alan Haselhurst. Production and design: Matthew Salik (IRO-CPA). Content support Charlotte RestorickA free hardcopy version is available upon request. If you would like to contribute to any article or have any feedback, please contact:Matthew Salik, CPA UK, Westminster Hall, Palace of Westminster, London, SW1A 0AATel: +44 (0) 207 219 5464, email: [email protected]
Chairperson’s ArticlesWith the assistance of the CPA Secretariat, I now have
two additional pages on the CPA website. You can have access to some of the articles I have written for various publications on behalf of the Association. In addition, a page has been created to place online some of the speeches I have given, such as at the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Colombo and the speech I gave at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Lecture, also in Colombo.