Page 2274 - Week 06 - Thursday, 6 June 2019

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we share with the Kiribati parliament. As someone who has been there myself, I can vouch for the warmth and hospitality of our hosts on the occasion of a visit. I must also put on record our appreciation of the generous artistic gifts that the Assembly has received over the years and that are displayed in this place.

Throughout its independence the Republic of Kiribati has been resourceful and innovative. They have planned for the future. While we may differ in size, many of our challenges remain the same—diversifying our economies, increasing employment and ensuring that our communities are well looked after through social services. I believe there is potential to further deepen our ties and provide more practical assistance through the sharing of expertise across our parliamentary functions.

I would again like to express our congratulations to the President of Kiribati, the Hon Taneti Maamau; the Speaker, the Hon Tebuai Uaai; the Kiribati parliament; and all the people of Kiribati on this significant occasion of the 40th anniversary of their independence.

MS J BURCH (Brindabella) (5.07), in reply: I want to thank members for their contributions. I have heard acknowledgement of the great value of the twinning arrangements between Kiribati and us. Certainly, very strong mention was made of the friendships between the two parliaments that have developed over time.

I think there was reference to it by Mr Rattenbury, but I want to read from their vision statement:

To be an effective and transparent Parliament that ensures respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance under a regime of the Rule of Law.

Over their 40 years, and whilst still developing, like many parliaments are, they have certainly come a long way from their independence in providing good governance and respect for human rights. With that, I wish them well—all the people of Kiribati, individual members of the parliament, those present and those that have been there over the 40 years, in recognition of their 40 years, and may they enjoy their celebrations.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Public Accounts—Standing Committee

Statement by chair

MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (5.08): Pursuant to standing order 246A, I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. At its meeting of 29 May 2019 the Standing Committee on Public Accounts agreed to note and not inquire further into the following Auditor-General’s reports:

1/2018—Acceptance of Stormwater Assets.

2/2018—ACT Government strategic and accountability indicators.

4/2018—2016-17 Financial Audits—Computer Information Systems.

6/2018—Physical Security.


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