THE Code of Conduct Bill, which has yet to be debated in Parliament since March this year would create a broader set of rules and expectations for Members of Parliament.
Acting Attorney-General and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga said the proposed code would go beyond existing parliamentary standards and could cover issues such as attendance in Parliament, participation in workshops, and other official activities where public resources were used.
He was responding to Speaker Filimone Jitoko’s concern that Parliament lacks the power to discipline MPs for lateness or absence without an active Code of Conduct.
“The Code of Conduct that is in the Bill is over and above what is required in terms of the standard of MPs in Parliament,” Mr Turaga said.
“There’s a wider scope. But I think we take note and of course it (attendance) should be respected.”
He said MPs were voted into office by the people and therefore had an obligation to attend Parliament and take part in important parliamentary business.
However, he said, the issue went beyond attendance alone.
According to Mr Turaga, MPs also had responsibilities outside normal sittings of Parliament, including participation in workshops and other official activities organised using public resources.
“This was why clear guidelines were needed, so there was a better understanding of what was expected from MPs when they were required to attend parliamentary duties or other official events.”
Mr Turaga said where public resources were used to organise workshops or related activities, it was important that MPs turned up.
At the same time, he acknowledged that any such rules would need to consider the other commitments and busy schedules of MPs.
“But then for me this is also problematic because we have other commitments. I don’t think this happens at any time because of the busy schedule, heavy activities.”
Code of Conduct Bill, The Access to Information Bill, the Accountability and Transparency Commission Bill have yet to be debated in Parliament after Mr Turaga attempted to withdraw the Bills from the House during the March sitting.
He, however, confirmed the latter two Bills are currently before the relevant Parliamentary committees.
