Parliamentarians are not given enough time to scrutinise Bills because of the “frequent abuse” of Standing Order 51, says former secretary-general to Parliament Mary Chapman.
Speaking at the Non Governmental Organisation Coalition for Human Rights State of Democracy panel discussion in Suva on Saturday, she said she was “concerned about the frequent abuse of the use of Standing Order 51” in the House.
Ms Chapman, who served as Parliament secretary-general from 1992 to 2006, said during her term members of Parliament were given 21 days to pore over Bills.
She said the two days given to MPs now was “not enough time”.
Standing Order 51 allows for motion for a Bill to proceed without delay.
Questions sent to secretary-general to Parliament Viniana Namosimalua about the comments made by Ms Chapman remain unanswered.
