An Australian Parliamentary delegation visited the Fijian Parliament yesterday morning as part of an exchange programme between the two parliaments.

Led by Senator the Ian MacDonald (Senator for Queensland), the delegation comprised of Senator the Janet Rice (Senator for Victoria), Laurie Ferguson MP (Member for Werriwa) and Jane Prentice MP (Member for Ryan).

The delegation first visited the Parliament Discovery Centre, the Parliament Chambers before meeting with Speaker, Dr Jiko Luveni.

During discussions with Dr Luveni, the delegation was keen to know how the Fijian Parliament was progressing. They were also pleased to learn that Australia has provided a lot of assistance to the Parliament as a significant donor, specifically through the Fiji Parliament Support Project (FPSP).

They were also informed that consultants from respective Parliaments in Australia provided assistance to Committees and procedural advice through the Tables Office, Office of the Speaker and the Secretary General.

Efforts by the Civic Education and Media Unit of connecting people of Fiji to the work of Parliament was also commended by the delegation.

In response, Dr Luveni appreciated the continued interest that such delegations had for the Fijian Parliament given that most members were new but very eager to learn while embracing democratic processes through the work of the Parliament.

The delegation later visited the Opposition Office where they met the Leader of Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa and the Leader of the National Federation Party, Dr Biman Prasad.