From the Office of the Speaker

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

Email from Chief Minister of the Isle of Man

For those of you who follow this weekly (almost!) column I share with you the response received from the Isle of Man Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK to my letter of 18 October –

“Dear Robin,

Many thanks for your kind words. We will face a challenging few years which will test all of us.  I look forward to developing closer ties on many fronts with Norfolk Island in the time ahead and hope that we may have the opportunity to meet again at some point to further that aim.

With very best wishes, Allan.”

Speaker is in Sydney next week

I am travelling to Sydney on Sunday principally to represent the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island at the official function hosted by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, with the Governor of NSW in attendance, to mark the occasion of the retirement of Mr Russell Grove PSM, Clerk to the NSW Legislative Assembly for 21 years and parliamentary officer for 40 years. My attendance is in acknowledgement of the extraordinary assistance given by Mr Grove to the Legislative Assembly of Norfolk Island over many many years and I know his name will be familiar to many of you. In acknowledgement of his service to the NSW Parliament last Thursday the 20^th of October Mr Grove was given appropriate recognition by the NSW Legislative Assembly in his being extended, on motion of the NSW Premier of the prestigious title of Clerk Emeritus. This honour is very well deserved. (Hansard containing some 16 pages of tributes from parliamentarians can be obtained in pdf format from the Clerk Mrs Gaye Evans).  During my time in Sydney Mr Grove and I will continue our discussions on the Speaker's Review of Norfolk’s parliamentary service which we commenced earlier in the year; this including addressing succession training for the Clerk which is long overdue.

The timing of my visit to Sydney will also allow me to join other State and Territory Presiding Officers at a meeting with the Hon Sir Alan Hazelhurst MP, from the UK Parliament, Chair of the CPA Executive Committee, who has been attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) in Perth. Sir Alan is taking the opportunity to meet with CPA Branch Executives whilst in Australia to discuss current issues facing the CPA and the Australian Region in particular.

And finally by letter of introduction from the Chief Minister, I will be meeting with the NSW Parliamentary Counsel Mr Don Colagiuri to follow up on previous contact with his office by Mr Craig Anderson and Mr Wayne Richards some time ago.

Visit of Justice G Downes (President) and Mr Philip Kellow (Principal Registrar) of the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 was amended by the Territories Law Reform Act 2010 to extend to Norfolk Island.  The Commonwealth Government undertook, at that time, to provide information and training to Administration officers in the operation of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.  The Chief Minister met with Mr Kellow in Sydney and Justice Downes by teleconference, following a visit to Canberra in June this year and invited them to come to Norfolk Island. Their visit this week is the next step in this process and Assembly Members and Officers at the Assembly were pleased to be able to meet with Justice Downes yesterday to discuss processes going forward.  Whilst in Sydney I will also be calling on Justice Downes and sitting in on a session of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal to see first hand how it operates.

Readers will recall that Justice Downes, along with Chief Justice Jacobson and Justice Lander, visited Norfolk Island in October 2010 to participate in ceremonial activities associated with the commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island. 

The next sitting of the Legislative Assembly is on Wednesday 9 November 2011 at 10 am.

To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 28 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

Linking Hands Across the World

Some snippets of interest from the Isle of Man Government website which shows that whilst the size of our respective populations is significantly different, the issues we have to address are not all that far apart.

New initiative between government and the business community to attract more visitors BBC news by Bill Dale posted 21 October 2011

“A NEW focus on attracting more tourists to the Isle of Man, particularly in the quiet months outside of the traditional visitor seasons, is about to be launched by government in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. Working together with the Manx Hospitality Partnership, agreement has been reached by the Chamber and the Department of Economic Development to target more visitors to come to the Island and fill empty hotel bedrooms with a particular emphasis on business travellers. The plan brings together groups within the tourist industry into a collective group to exchange ideas and initiatives, working closely in a more structured manner to create new business for the economy. The Isle of Man offers a total of 5,328 bed spaces through its various tourism facilities, in hotels, guest houses, apartments and holiday homes. For some parts of the year the majority of the bedrooms are filled and at certain times - such as the TT and Manx Grand Prix - the Island has no extra capacity and opens up its home stay system.

However, there are some times of the year - in particular the periods in spring and autumn known as the “shoulder months” - where the government and the Chamber of Commerce believes there is potential for new business. Mike Hennessy, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said the main aim of the initiative was to “enhance the overall proposition” with the eventual aim of increasing visitor numbers. “‘This is an exciting opportunity for members of the tourism sector with drive, energy and enthusiasm, to influence and contribute to the future development of the Isle of Man visitor economy.” I would hasten to add that it is not designed to be a pure Chamber member initiative. We welcome involvement from all across the business community.” It is intended to structure the new partnership with a main steering committee supported by stakeholder groups in the areas of accommodation, hospitality and services, events, travel and transport…………….Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, political member for Isle of Man Tourism, said, “Developing a shared vision and concrete objectives for tourism will be at the heart of the group’s initial work.”

The next snippet is a very interesting concept!

Isle of Man government calls for community members BBC News Isle of Man

“Chief Minister Allan Bell is looking for people willing to serve the community. The Isle of Man government is looking for "community-spirited individuals" to work as lay members. People from all backgrounds and walks of life are asked to apply, to bring a different perspective to the running of the Isle of Man government.  Roles in nine organisations are available, including the Pensions Authority and the Post Office. Chief Minster Allan Bell said he wanted people who had an interest in serving the local community. He added: "This is an opportunity for community-spirited individuals to play their part in public life and make a real difference as the island moves forward." Other organisations looking for lay members include the Financial Supervision Commission, the Office of Fair Trading and the Water and Sewerage Authority.

Those appointed will hold their positions for five years. The closing date for applications is 31 October.”

Dated 28 October

From the Office of the Speaker on 28 October 2011 and posted on the blog site

http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

New Communications Technologies to strenghen Democracy

For Immediate Release

New communications technologies to

strengthen democracy

London, 14 October 2011 – Two Commonwealth agencies, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO), have entered into a partnership to explore avenues of co-operation to improve governance and empower people through enhanced use of information and communications technologies (ICTs).          

The two agencies acknowledge that ICTs are a key tool not only in development but also to promote democracy and empower people. While Parliamentarians play a crucial role in facilitating the promotion and use of ICTs for development, through policy, legislation, and regulation, the very same ICTs open new vistas for citizens to engage in governance.

Primarily a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will facilitate collaboration between the CPA and CTO to build the capacity of Parliamentarians in the adoption and use of ICTs for development and for the promotion of democracy. The MoU also paves the way for information exchange, including mutual access to the web environments of each party, sharing publications,

participating in and promoting each others’ conferences and holding joint events and capacity building programmes in the future.

Dr William F. Shija, Secretary-General of the CPA, said: “Many Parliamentarians already use web-based and mobile technologies to help them scrutinize governments and establish interactive dialogues with constituents. But many more lack full access to the new forms of communications which are today recognized as one of the Benchmarks of good governance. All Parliamentarians also need the best possible advice on how to regulate this rapidly advancing area and apply it effectively to development issues and the deepening of the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy. This agreement will help Parliamentarians throughout the Commonwealth to be better representatives of the people.”

“The Internet and social media have increased and strengthened the channels of communication between various branches of Government and the citizens,” says Professor Tim Unwin, CEO of CTO. “I believe this MoU between two lead Commonwealth agencies, one for legislators and the other for ICTs, will pave the way for utilising ICTs to improve accountability, enhance transparency and strengthen democracy across the Commonwealth and contribute to achieving one of the core Commonwealth missions: empowering people in governance.”

For more information, please contact:
At CPA:                                     At CTO:
Dr William F. Shija                     Lasantha Alwis
Secretary-General                      Senior Manager, Programmes
Tel: +44 20 7799 1460                 Tel: +44 20 8600 3814
hq.sec@cpahq.org                        l.dealwis@cto.int
http://www.cpahq.org                 http://www.cto.int

About the CPA

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an association of 185 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures. Its mandate is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance among Members and officials of Parliaments. It informs the parliamentary community about the Commonwealth’s democratic commitment and furthers co-operation among its Parliaments and

Legislatures.

The CPA’s priorities include the expansion of participation of women in the democratic process and promoting the involvement of young people in representative government. The CPA Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures are being used around the world to help Parliaments assess their procedures and processes to identify areas for reform to improve democratic governance.

About the CTO

With a history dating back to 1901, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) is an international development partnership between the Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth governments, businesses and civil society organisations. Through research and studies, advisory and consultancy services, capacity building and training and events on topical issues, the CTO helps to bridge the digital divide and achieve social and economic development, by delivering a range of unique knowledge-sharing programmes in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

From its headquarters in London and with members based in Europe, the Caribbean, Americas, Africa and Asia-Pacific regions, the CTO has been at the centre of continuous and extensive international communications development funding, co-operation and assistance programmes. The CTO’s mission is to promote wealth in developing countries through the more efficient utilization of ICTs, and its development agenda reflects the priorities set in the United Nations

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

END

Your Parliament - Your Voice

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

Last week I spoke of the new government elected in the Isle of Man and the appointment of Chief Minister Allan Bell. You can read more about the new Isle of Man Government in this week’s Linking Hands across the World – a weekly chat about some of the great features of the Isle of Man with whom we are linked through the Cultural Agreement signed between our Islands in July this year. My letter to Chief Minister Bell on your behalf reads as follows:

Office of the Speaker

18 October 2011

The Hon Allan Bell MHK
Chief Minister Isle of Man Government
Chief Minister’s Office
Douglas Isle of Man I1M1 3PG
British Isles

Dear Chief Minister,

I write to offer you my warmest congratulations on your recent election to the most prestigious position of Chief Minister and to wish you on behalf of the Norfolk Island Parliament a most rewarding term of office.

My wonderful memories of my visit to the Isle of Man in July as official guest on Tynwald Day remain as fresh as they did on my return home to Norfolk. You will recall President Cringle and me at the Tynwald Banquet signing the cultural agreement between our two Islands and I attach a copy of the agreement of which a signed and framed copy, together with the Isle of Man flag, now forms part of a cultural display in the Committee Room adjacent to our Assembly Chamber.

I look forward to working with you and President Clare Christian to build on the aspirations set down in the Agreement. We are already taking steps to do that with a weekly column in our local paper in which we publish excerpts from your 2009 Isle of Man Government Guide and I attach last week’s column for your information. I also attach a copy of last week’s column of Your Parliament Your Voice in which we have featured your appointment as Chief Minister.

It is certainly my wish that at the very least we can achieve an exchange of visits on our respective National Days – 5 July on Tynwald Day and 8 June (Bounty Anniversary Day) on Norfolk Island.

With very warm wishes from

Robin Adams JP MLA

Speaker

A brief visit by Michael Keen MP, Federal Member for Stirling and Shadow Minister for Justice and Customs in the Australian Liberal Party

Shadow Minister Keenan visited our shores for the first time this week, arriving mid morning Thursday on Norfolk Air from Brisbane. He was accompanied by his Adviser Ms Amelia McManus. Albeit a short visit, it was nevertheless a busy time for Mr Keenan, who met informally with Members of the Government followed by a wider meeting with other Members of the Assembly at Kingston in the afternoon. A short tour of our Island with the Administrator and the Chief Minister followed and I am sure that Mr Keenan would quickly have come to appreciate what a beautiful Island we have. A reception at Government House hosted by His Honour the Administrator and Mrs Walsh provided Mr Keenan the opportunity to meet members of the community and hear a broad cross section of views on the current negotiations with the Commonwealth. He departed Norfolk for Melbourne Friday morning. Members of the community may recall that I thanked Mr Keenan in our Parliament last December for his supportive words about our Island during debate on the Territories Law Reform Bill.

Press Release from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA) in London

I invite your attention to a press release published this week from the CPA headed “New Communications Technologies to Strengthen Democracy” which readers may find of topical interest.

To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 21 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

Linking Hands Across the World

Council of Ministers reflects "a government of all the talents"

In Your Parliament Your Voice last week we spoke of the election of a new Chief Minister for the Isle of Man. The following is an article by Tessa Hawley posted on Isle of Man.com on 19 October 2011 which talks about the new Isle of Man Government.

“THE Isle of Man's new Council of Ministers reflects a "government of all the talents" according to the Chief Minister. Allan Bell MHK has said he chose the new council in an effort to bring together a range of political opinion to help form a government of national unity.

Our photo shows the new Council of Ministers pictured with the Island's Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood

“Yesterday (Tuesday) the nine government ministers all attended their first sitting of Tynwald since the announcement was made on Friday. Speaking about the new council Mr Bell said: "My ambition with this new council is, in effect, to form a government of national unity - to bring forward all strands of political opinion within government and hopefully out of that mould a team which will cooperate, work together and which will provide a political focus for unity which then will be reflected across the Island elsewhere."………Mr Bell continued: "I have looked at a mixture of continuity with some of the previous ministers who have had experience in various departments. "I wanted to freshen that up with new ideas, some fresh faces and also to bring together various threads of political thinking and representation from various parts of the Island…….."I believe we've got a good balanced team here – one I believe is committed to working together for the benefit of the Island and particularly to protect the Island in the time ahead and one which I believe will work very effectively."………

“He said: "What I want to achieve in the time ahead is a government of all the talents. That means drawing on the best available talent within the House of Keys and Tynwald and indeed drawing in contributions from the private sector and from the wider Island community as well. We really need the best input that we can possibly achieve in the time ahead."

From the Office of the Speaker on 21 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

Linking Hands Across the World

 

This week we continue to share with you another extract from the June 2009 Isle of Man Guide produced by the Isle of Man Government.

Public Expenditure

“The Isle of Man is required by law to budget for a 
surplus in its annual spending from the proceeds of direct and indirect taxation.

• “Growth in the economy has been matched by investment in public services funded by taxation.

• “Government spending is £573 million for 2009-10. Over half of total government expenditure is on health, social services and education.

• “Significant investment has been made in new infrastructure over the past decade providing residents with first-rate public services. In the last five years, over half a billion pounds have been invested in a new acute care hospital, an energy from waste facility, improved schools and new water treatment plants.

•   “A high performing comprehensive school system with attainment equal to, and often better, than the UK equivalent at all ages from 5 to 18. A particular strength is our world leading work with Apple in Primary Schools. Our curriculum is focused on helping young people to become resourceful learners, excellent citizens and an asset to our dynamic economy.

• “The Island invests in the future of its young people by paying their tuition fees at UK universities and colleges.

From the office of the Speaker on 14 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

 

Linking Hands Across the World

The Isle of Man and Norfolk Isle are linked by history through the Mutiny on the Bounty.

This week we share with you another extract from the June 2009 Isle of Man Guide produced by the Isle of Man Government.

 “A Centre of Excellence

The Isle of Man sectors operate to a common standard.

That standard is world class.”

• “The Isle of Man retains ‘AAA’ ratings from Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s.”

• The Isle of Man has been voted the ‘Best International Finance Centre’ at the Investment International Awards eight times out of the last nine years, winning again in 2009.”

• Following their consistent success in previous years, Isle of Man companies fared equally well, picking up the lion’s share of success by winning 8 awards.”

• The Isle of Man was judged as one of the top five European Cities and Regions of the Future by Foreign Direct Investment Magazine in 2008.”

• In 2005, Isle of Man was named European winner of The Banker’s Financial Centers of the Future.”

• The Island benefits from an advanced telecommunications infrastructure including mobile 3.5G, 100% home broadband coverage at speeds of up to 16Mbps and five diverse high speed fibre links off-Island, linking all major international data hubs.”

• The Isle of Man’s international Ship Register is highly positioned on the White List of the Paris MOU on Port State Control and has been highly rated at the top of the industry’s Flag State Performance table in 2005 and 2006.”

• During 2009, the Isle of Man further exemplified its model of openness and co-operation by announcing a major initiative, developed with the assistance of the World Bank and Commonwealth Secretariat, to share its expertise in financial services with other small states.”

Our photo on the right shows the Fort Anne building on Douglas Head, the premises of the Isle of Man-based international law and professional services group Cains

From the Office of the Speaker on 7 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com/

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 5 October 2011

"Your Parliament - Your Voice"

From the Office of the Speaker

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 5 October 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 10 am and concluded without a lunch break at 1.30 pm. The Clerk to the Legislative Assembly being absent from duty for personal reasons, the House on the motion of the Chief Minister recommended in accordance with section 48 of the Legislative Assembly Act 1979 that the Speaker appoint Sharyn Quintal to act as the Clerk while the Clerk is absent from duty for the meeting of the House on 5 October 2011.

Answers were provided both to questions without notice and on notice.

The following papers were tabled:

1)   RESA specifications and drawings (Minister Nobbs)

2)   Electricity Supply (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (Minister Nobbs)

3)   Legal Aid Report 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011 (Chief Minister)

4)   Norfolk Island Government Budget Financial Statements (Chief
     Minister)

5) Funding Agreement 2011/2012 for the Norfolk Island Territory signed 22 September 2011 (Chief Minister) Debate ensued on the motion by Mrs Ward – That the paper be noted

6)  Population and Planning on Norfolk Island Report No. 1: Overview of the Norfolk Island Plan dated 3 May 2011 (Ms Adams by leave)

7) Population and Planning on Norfolk Island Report No. 2’ Population and Sustainability Issues dated 29 August 2011 (Ms Adams by leave)

8) Married Persons (Equality of Status) Bill 2011 – Explanatory
    Memorandum (Chief Minister)

The Speaker reported –

Message No. 21 from the Administrator under section 21 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 20 September 2011 he declared his assent to the Appropriation Act 2011-2012 (Act No 12 of 2011)

Outcomes for matters on the Notice Paper which were debated are as follows:

1) The House resolved to encourage the Commonwealth Government to engage the Centre for International Economics to simultaneously update its 2006 study of the impact of extending Commonwealth laws to Norfolk Island that may impact significantly on the Norfolk Island economy

2) Mr David Sinclair South was appointed as a member of the Public Service Board for the period 6 October 2011 to 5 October 2013

3) The House resolved that the Minister with responsibility for the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Advisory Board appoint Mr Barry Hyatt to be a delegate member of the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Advisory Board for the appointed Member David Bell

4) The House resolved that the Hon David Buffett AM MLA enter into urgent dialogue with the Hon Simon Crean MP to discuss an approach being made to Major General Jeffery AC, CVO, MC, former Governor-General of Australia, and the Hon Robert “Bob” Ellicott QC, BA, LLB, former Federal Minister with responsibility for Norfolk Island in 1979 to consider the possibility to their being co-opted to independently oversee the changes to the 1979 partnership between the Commonwealth of Australia and Norfolk Island

5) The Chief Minister presented the Married Persons (Equality of Status) Bill 2011; debate was adjourned on the motion – That the Bill be agreed to in principle

6) The Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill 2011 introduced on 7
    September 2011 was agreed

The House adjourned until 9 November 2011 at 10 am

To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 5 October 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com