The Chairperson’sQuarterly ReportIssue 4 Autumn/Winter 2012/13

Inside this Issue

• ipcgp

• 5THcYp

• CPAIndiaDelhi, Orissa &Andhra Pradesh

• MeetingwiththeCPAPresident

• CPACoordinatingCommittee

• Chairperson’sGallery

• Chairperson’sDiary

andmuchmore...

This fourth edition of the Quarterly Report covers for the first part the period after the Annual Conference. This issue, as with its predecessors, gives an update on my activities on behalf of the Association, such as my trips to Cape Town to meet with the CPA President and the meeting of the Coordinating Committee in December. The report also looks at the conferences and seminars in which I have had the honour of participating. Examples of these are the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament and the International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics, both of which took place in London. I am also offering insight in to some of the issues impacting upon the Association over the last few months.

Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MPChairperson of the CPA International Executive Committee

2

The International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics 2012 (IPCG&P) took place in the Houses of Parliament in London between the 6th and 8th November 2012.

IPCG&P was jointly hosted by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) and the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU), in accordance with the organisations’ shared purpose of strengthening parliamentary democracy through inter-parliamentary dialogue. Since its initial conception, I have been a strong supporter of this Conference highlighting its importance in bringing together just two of the many women based international organisations to support the progression of gender equality in politics. As mentioned in the following article I am a passionate advocate of advancing the status and role of the CWP.

As CPA Chairperson, I had the honour of opening the Conference with my colleague, CPA Executive Committee Regional Representative, Dr Roberta Blackman-Woods MP (Chairperson of the Conference

International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics, London

Steering Committee). I was also particularly pleased to note the attendance and participation of the CWP Chairperson, Speaker the Hon. Alix Boyd-Knights MHA, who gave an impassioned speech on the need for all women parliamentarians to “collaborate, collaborate, collaborate”.

The Honourable Chairperson was joined by many other leaders in the CWP, including the Vice-Chairperson, Myrna Driedger MLA, former Vice-Chairperson, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga MP and CWP

Steering Committee member from Malaysia, Hon. Dato Noraini Ahmad MP.

Sixty delegates representing fifty countries from around the world attended, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Topics ranged from national case studies, the

democratic deficit inherent in underrepresentation of women in parliaments, media and social media, tools for empowerment, political parties and quotas, and on the final day, gender based violence.

At each session there were a range of panellists, such as Government Ministers, Parliamentarians, academics and International and National NGO representatives. The sessions were dynamic, topical and passionate.

A key aspect of the Conference was to have a strong and lasting legacy. As well as issuing a communiqué, delegates were encouraged to join an online forum to enable them to continue to share experiences, challenges and successes on all fronts. The first issue on which delegates were encouraged to contribute was on the priority theme for the 5th Meeting on the Commission for Status of Women, Violence Against Women.

The Conference was a huge success in part due to the engagement of the attendees, but also the excellent organisation of the event and how all the salient issues were included in the programme. I am hopeful that such Conferences can occur more frequently across the Commonwealth, perhaps something that CWP will wish to take forward?

POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

DEMOCRACY

DEMOCRACY

LAW

DEMOCRACYHUMAN

DEMOCRACY

QUOTAS

QUOTAS

QUOTAS

QUOTAS

HUMAN RIGHTS

MICROFINANCE

MICROFINANCE

PARLIAMENT

MICROFINANCE

MICROFINANCE

CAUCUS

CAUCUS

CAUCUS

SHORTLISTING

SHORTLISTING

SHORTLISTING

POLICYMAKING

HUMAN RIGHTS

LEGISLATION

LEGISLATION

LEGISLATION

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENTLEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

FAMILIES

FAMILIES

FAMILIES

FAMILIES

INSPIRATION

POLITICS

INSPIRATIONG E N D E R PARTICIPATION IN PARLIAMENT

GENDER PARTICIPATION

IN PARLIAMENT

CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION

CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION

CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION

CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION

CONFLICT ANDRESOLUTION

CONFLICT AND RESOLUTION

ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS

WOMEN AS AGENTS OFC H A N G E

WOMEN AS AGENTS OFC H A N G E

ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS

ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS

ACCESS AND B A R R I E R S TO POLITICS

WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

F O R C E D MARRIAGE

F O R C E D MARRIAGE

PUBLIC LIFE

F O R C E D MARRIAGE

MATRIARCHS

MATRIARCHS

MATRIARCHS

MATRIARCHS

EMPOWERMENT

MATRIARCHS

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

POWER

POWER

POWER

POWER

YOUTH

YOUTHYOUTH

YOUTH

YOUTH

STEREOTYPES

STEREOTYPES

HUMAN RIGHTS

STEREOTYPES

STEREOTYPES

STEREOTYPES

STEREOTYPES

STEREOTYPES

HUMAN RIGHTS

PUBLIC OPINION

JUSTICE

JUSTICE

AND

STEREOTYPESSTEREOTYPES

STEREOTYPES

JUSTICE

JUSTICE

JUSTICE

JUSTICE

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS

MEN

MEN

OF

SKILLS

SKILLS

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS

PERCEPTIONS

HUMAN RIGHTS

WOMEN

HUMAN RIGHTS

NETWORKS

GENDER

NETWORKS

NETWORKSVOTES

VOTES

NETWORKS

NETWORKS

NETWORKS

NETWORKS

NETWORKS RIGHTS

PAY

FEMINISM

FEMINISMGLASS CEILING

EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE

GLASS CEILING

GLASS CEILING

GLASS CEILING

FAMILIES

BUSINESSFEMINISM

ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY

ADVOCACY

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT

EMPOWERMENTDEVELOPMENT

EQUAL PAY

EQUAL PAY

EQUAL PAY

EQUAL PAY

PAY

SOLIDARITYLEADERS

HUMAN RIGHTS

SOLIDARITY

SOLIDARITY

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

OPPORTUNITY

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURSHIPDISCRIMINATION

DISCRIMINATION

REPRESENTATION

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS

GOVERNMENT PORTFOLIOS

EQUALITY AUDITING

EQUALITY AUDITING

EQUALITY AUDITING

MEDIA

MEDIA AND P O L I T I C S

MEDIA AND POLITICS

MEDIA AND POLITICS

REPRESENTATION INPARLIAMENT

REPRESENTATION INPARLIAMENT

PARLIAMENTIN

RETENTION AND QUALITY

OF EDUCATION

RETENTIONAND QUALITYOF EDUCATION

RETENTION AND QUALITYOF EDUCATION

G E N D E R

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE

ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

VOTES

ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

CAMPAIGN FINANCE

MENTORING

MEN

DISCRIMINATION

HUMAN RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

SKILLS

SKILLS

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

GENDER MAINSTREAMING

RIGHTS

RIGHTS

RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

NETWORKS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

6 - 8 NOVEMBER 2012

INTERNATIONALPARLIAMENTARY

CONFERENCE

GENDER ANDON

POLITICS

CPA UK BranchWestminster HallHouses of ParliamentLondon SW1A 0AA

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7219 5373Fax: +44 (0) 20 7233 1202

BGIPUBritish Group Inter-Parliamentary UnionPalace of WestminsterLondon SW1A 0AA

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7219 3011Fax: +44 (0) 20 7219 8780

International Parliamentary Conference on Gender and Politics:Representation of Women in Parliament, Politics and Public Life

6 - 8 November 2012

Email: genderconference2012@parliament.uk

www.parliament.uk/genderconference2012#genderconference2012

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

Former CWP Vice-Chairperson and Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga MP

CWP Vice-Chairperson, Myrna Driedger MLA

CWP Chairperson, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dominica, Hon. Alix Boyd-Knights MHA

3

Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians - Future Developments

Meeting with the CPA PresidentNov 2012

It is with great pleasure that I write this article to announce that the proposals I made to the CWP Steering Committee for its meeting in Sri Lanka are making real progress. Two issues that I expressed a desire to see was an increased amount of funding allocated to CWP regional activities. I am pleased that the Coordinating Committee has approved an increase, taking that total to £100,000 for the 2013-2014 year, I am confident that the Executive Committee will ratify this decision. This money I am certain will expand CWP activities on the ground which is essential if there is to be long-term tangible progress in gender equality.

The other suggestion was to see the development of CWP regional structures. This has been progressed through the International Secretariat and I am hopeful that this will be taken up by all regions that haven’t already done so. I know for a fact that the BIMR Region will be taking this forward at its meeting in the Falkland Islands and I hope a CWP

BIMR Steering Committee and Secretariat will be in place before the Annual Conference in August.

It was disappointing that the CWP Chairperson was unable to be present for the Coordinating Committee in London. I am hopeful that the decisions above will leave a real tangible legacy when her term of office expires in September. I shall support the proposal at the Executive Committee to allow the CWP Chairperson back on to the Coordinating Committee which I feel was an oversight by General

I believe it is very important that, as CPA Chairperson, I work as closely as possible with the President of the Association. Although the Constitution is not precise on the role and responsibilities of the President, I believe that it should be more than just an honorary title given to the host of the next Annual Conference. With that in mind, I arranged to meet with the new President as soon as possible after the Annual Conference.

In November, I travelled to Cape Town for two days. There I met with Chairperson Mahlangu and we spoke on a number of issues relating to the Association. Topics ranged from the status of the CPA, the forthcoming visit by South African

Assembly when it approved the Working Party Recommendations at its last meeting.

parliamentarians to Sri Lanka and the planning of the 59th CPC in Johannesburg.

As part of my visit was to meet with the Conference Team, I met with Malose Dolo, who confirmed my belief that the planning and organisation were on schedule and that the team was set to create an outstanding conference.

Whilst in Cape Town I had the pleasure to meet Speaker Sisulu, Cedric Frolick MP, who is Chairman of Committees as well as many other parliamentarians. I thank them and Chairperson Mahlangu for their time and kind and generous hospitality.

Whenever time permits, I always take the opportunity to see a more

diverse part of the city or province I am visiting. On this occasion, as I had already visited Robben Island, I was taken to the Khayelitsha Township where I met some of its residents and a number of interesting projects. If time permits, I hope to visit South Africa again before the September Conference. I have been many times over the years, but it never seems enough.

Addressing delegates at the opening session of the IPCGP

President of the CPA, Hon. Chairperson NCOP, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu

Sen. Polley, Hon. Speaker Kumar and Hon. Dr Sudarshani Fernandopulle MP at the CWP Session during CPC 2013

4

Between the 4th and 7th December 2012, the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament took place in London. This was the first consecutive CYP, and took place once again in London to mark the Diamond Jubilee Year. I am extremely pleased to see the decision of the Executive Committee to make the Commonwealth Youth Parliament an annual fixture in the CPA calendar has come to fruition. CYP complements the excellent youth programme the CPA runs, such as the Commonwealth Day activities in London.

Sixty young people from around the Commonwealth attended the 5th CYP. Delegates representing legislatures as far flung as the Falkland Islands, Samoa and St Helena, as well as dozens closer to home, travelled to the UK to attend the four-day programme hosted by CPA UK and the CPA Headquarters.

Although somewhat overdressed for the occasion, due to a later engagement (see photo above), on arrival I welcomed the delegates and affirmed the CPA’s commitment to young people as the future activists, leaders and lawmakers of the Commonwealth. I urged delegates to use the opportunity to form friendships, build networks, and to

share cultures and understandings. As the Coordinating Committee

was also in London, it was fortunate to have the Vice-Chairperson and Treasurer present. Dr Nafisa Shah MNA was honoured with the role of officially opening the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament, taking the role of Governor-General and giving a Throne Speech which would outline many of the themes covered over the following days. She admirably carried out these duties. The following day, Hon. Marwick Khumalo MP gave an in-depth

and educational insight into being a parliamentarian, which many delegates later told me was a highlight of the week’s sessions. Meeting the delegates later in the week I was impressed by their enthusiasm and engagement. I uphold my statement from last year that if these are the representatives of the next generation of parliamentarians, I am optimistic for the future.

Over the four days, the joint organising team did an outstanding job putting together a broad

and diverse programme on the Westminster System, covering topics such as Committees, Ten Minute Rule Bills, adjournment debates and party political caucusing. The attention to detail was impressive to the point that mock replicas of Bills and Summary Agendas were produced impressing the Clerk of the House, Sir Robert Rogers and the Speaker, Rt Hon. John Bercow MP, who also took time to chair a session.

During the week we were joined by the Speaker of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Nadendla Manohar AP, who

observed proceedings as Andhra Pradesh wishes to host the next CYP. The CPA UK planning team was also supported by Ranny Ismail, from the Speaker’s Office in the Ugandan Parliament, as Uganda hopes to run a Youth Parliament as well. It is pleasing to note that the template set down and the high benchmark set will be replicated throughout the Commonwealth. We have much to be proud of!

5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament 2012, London

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

SPEECH

SPEECH

TAX

TAX

POLITICAL

CAMPAIGN

POLITICS

TRADE

TRADE

ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT

REFERENDUM

CONVENTION

ENVIRONMENT

PARLIAMENTARIANS

PARLIAMENTARIANS

DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT

JOURNALRULES

DEVELOPMENT

RELIGION

RELIGION

THRONE

HANSARD

PEERSREFORMS

HANSARD

EQUALITY

EQUALITY

MINISTERS

MINISTERS

LAW

LAW

LAW

LAW

ECONOMICS

ECONOMICS

ECONOMICS

CHAMBERS

CHAMBERS

EXECUTIVE

HEALTHCARE

EXECUTIVE

DEBATES

DEBATES

PARLIAMENT

PARLIAMENT

PARTIES

PARTIES CONSTITUENCY

DEVOLUTION

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS

CAUCUS

CAUCUS

GENDER

GENDER

CONFLICT

CONFLICT

CONFLICT

CONFLICTCONFLICT

CONFLICT

ACTIONS

ACTIONS

POWER

POWER

AMENDMENTS

BILLS

BILLS

CLERKS

CLERKS

CLERKS

PMQS

PMQS

EDMS

EDMS

EMPOWERMENT

EMPOWERMENT

VOTES

VOTES

HUMAN RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

SCRUTINYSCRUTINY

SCRUTINY

DEMOCRACY

DEMOCRACY

COMMITTEES

COMMITTEES

COMMITTEES

COMMITTEES

COMMITTEES

ORATORY

POLICIESLOBBY

POLICIES

QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS

DEBATES

QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS

JUSTICE

JUSTICE

MANDATE

VOTES

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

EDUCATION

HUMAN RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

UNEMPLOYMENT

UNEMPLOYMENT

CLIMATE CHANGE

CLIMATE CHANGE

PROCEEDINGS

GOOD GOVERNANCE

GOOD GOVERNANCE

LEGISLATION

BALLOTLEGISLATION

PROCEDURE

PROCEDURE

ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

ELECTIONS

REPRESENTATION

REPRESENTATION

COMMONWEALTH

COMMONWEALTH

CONSULTATION

COMMONWEALTH

ENVIRONMENT LAW PARLIAMENTGENDERCONFLICT

BILLS VOTESCOMMITTEESPOLICIESLOBBY

CONSULTATION

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament

5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament

london, united Kingdom4 - 7 deCember 2012

Addressing delegates at the Opening Ceremony

Delegates of the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament with the CPA Secretary-General and Speaker Sri Nadendla Manohar AP

5

At the 32nd Opening of the Small Branches Conference in Sri Lanka, I was slightly despondent in noticing that too few of the CPA’s small branches were represented at the meeting. I believe I am correct in recalling that the same situation occurred in London the previous year. The Small Branches Conference is an important forum for small branches; unfortunately it cannot realise its full potential when so few are able to be present. The issue of attendance was highlighted to me once again when I met with the Tongan Speaker, Lord Fakafuna and the New Zealand Representative, Moana Mackey MP in Colombo. They both saw this as a troubling development that has been reoccurring over the last few years.

Members of the Executive Committee will be aware that some branches (not necessarily small) are having difficulties in paying their subscriptions within the 90 day cut-off period. Although some branches come to the Annual Conference and pay after the deadline, others, specifically small branches in the Pacific, although able to pay late, remain at home and adhere to the rules. The Executive Committee tends to be flexible when an issue of attendance is raised before it. But as a result, it is penalising those branches that follow the rules. I share wholeheartedly the Pacific Region’s concerns.

Although the issue was covered by the Coordinating Committee in December, an agreement must be reached in Cayman to make certain

Future of Small Branches - Parity of Esteem

guidelines clear. It must also encourage the Secretariat to liaise more closely with small branches in the weeks leading up to the Conference. In my opinion the Secretariat should take a more sympathetic and enabling stance rather than act as an enforcer.

But the issue raises an overall concern that I have. No branch should be treated unequally, no matter what size, how wealthy, federal or regional, or remote. None should be given preferential treatment and I fear that some are. Small branches must not be disadvantaged in any way, nor should they be overlooked because of their size. I am please that the CPA through the Small Branches Conference engage actively with small branches, replicating many other international organisations such as the UN Forum of Small States and the Commonwealth Secretariat. But is the Small Branches Conference enough?

The Overseas Territories along with UK Crown Dependences are unfortunately not recognised as members of the Commonwealth, which means they need to make

the most of the Small Branches Conference and other forums to engage with the wider world and build strong partnerships. This is essential so that issues impacting on their territories can be addressed at an international level. Overseas Territories are just one example where the CPA can further assist in championing the issues and concerns of these

branches, many of whom face the greatest impact of the global recession and climate change.

I believe that small branches of the CPA could benefit from a Small Branches Champion or Representative who could speak on behalf of small branches and raise their concerns and hopes within the CPA, in particular the Executive Committee and perhaps the Coordinating Committee. In a similar way as the CWP Chairperson, this individual could also play an ambassadorial role: representing, lobbying and campaigning on behalf of all Commonwealth Small Branches on a global stage. They could attend the Forum of Small Branches and if the CPA receives sufficient invitations, CHOGM. Ideally, they should be elected in some way by the Conference and be an officer of the Association much like the CWP Chairperson.

I have spoken to a number of members of the Small Branches Conference, in particular the Cayman Premier and Caribbean Regional Representative, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP MP, who is supportive. This is an issue that I will be raising at the Executive Committee in the Cayman Islands, but it goes without saying that it will be down to the Small Branches Conference to decide on such an issue and to take it forward if they wish.

With the Tongan Speaker, Lord Fakafanua

Addressing delegates at the 32nd Small Branches Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka

6

Visit to CPA India Aug 2012

Due to the summer edition of the Chairperson’s Quarterly report covering the Annual Conference, I did not have the opportunity to report back on my visit to India in August; an opportunity I would like to take now. Between the 19th

and 26th August I travelled to CPA India, CPA Orissa and CPA Andhra Pradesh. I travelled predominately as Chair of CPA UK, at India’s request, leading a delegation of UK Parliamentarians, I learnt a great deal and had the honour of meeting many parliamentarians and people across the country.

The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the workings of the Parliament of India and the relationship between the Federal and Provincial legislatures and governments. It was also an opportunity to learn more about economic development on the

ground and trade toward and within India. We also briefly discussed Indian National Security and the impact of international terrorism.

Overall it was a successful, diverse and valuable opportunity for me, one that I hope to utilise as International Chairperson. There were many peer to peer exchanges and outreach visits that encouraged lively debate between parliamentary colleagues and civil society.

One of the lasting impressions I gained from the visit was on the Indian Parliamentarians’ view of the Commonwealth. Members seem to express frustration towards the Commonwealth which in their eyes has become anachronistic and needs to be relaunched to move it away from the shadow of the British

Empire. My list of thanks would be

extremely long; suffice to say I would like to thank all the Speakers especially Honourable Speaker Kumar, the Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha, all the Governors, Members and staff who we met and assisted in the programme.

Wreath laying at a Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi With the Hon. Speaker, Nadendla Manohar

With the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari

With Minister for Railways, Pawan Kumar Bansal

With the Hon.Speaker Lok Sabha, Smt. Meira Kumar

7

CPC 2012 - A thank you

Extract form the View from the Chair - The Parliamentarian, Issue 3

The 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference took place in September 2012. I should like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to its host, the Speaker and the Parliament of Sri Lanka, the CPA Sri Lanka Branch and all others who were involved in organising the Conference. The event was extremely well run, with a staff of over 200 dedicated to it by the Parliament and other government departments.

I extend my thanks to those

who gave up their time to attend and contribute to this highly eventful and productive meeting. In my opinion, the highlight of the week was the day of thematic workshops covering a range of challenges facing the contemporary Commonwealth. Delegates and experts had the opportunity to debate and seek consensus on the issues such as the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group’s recommendation to appoint a Commissioner for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Human Rights.

My enduring impression from this CPC was that the expectations and objectives of all who attended were met and for many exceeded.

This gives me the assurance that this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also due to take place in Colombo, will be equally successful. I hope to have the opportunity to see it firsthand.

Addressing delegates at the CPC 2012 Opening Ceremony

At a blessing before the 32nd Small Branches Conference

Giving the keynote Address at the Lakshman Kardigamar Lecture

With other members of the Executive Committee on the opening day

8

Chairperson’s Gallery- Other meetings and Discussions

In my capacity as Chairperson of both the International and UK Executive Committees, I have had the pleasure to meet with many parliamentary visitors to London. In October I met with members of the Standing Committee on Public Administration for Western Australian. I discussed with them my experiences as Chair of the UK House of Commons Administration Committee and briefly on the CPA.

The following week was a rather busier one for me. I met with Members of a Guernsey parliamentary delegation, and with some Members of the US House of Representatives which although not very CPA orientated was something out of the norm. Then there was a delegation of members from the Bangladesh Public

Accounts Committee. I am a passionate believer that a key role for the CPA is to strengthen PACs as much as possible.

Later in October, I met with the Speaker Trotman and other parliamentarians from Guyana as well as parliamentarians from Tanzania.

In November, I met with a parliamentary delegation from the Commonwealth of Australia. We discussed the CPA and their interest in Scotland and devolution. This was the exact same interest that led to a recent delegation from Canada to come to London with whom I had the pleasure of meeting.

In mid-November, I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Committee of Public Services from Nigeria in London.

More specifically related to CPA business, I have also had meetings with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, with whom I like to keep in regular contact with. I have also met with the new UK Minister for the Commonwealth, Rt Hon. Hugo Swire MP to discuss his vision for the Commonwealth and what role specifically the CPA can play in that regard.

In November, I met with the BIMR Regional Representative, Deputy Mike O’Hara from Guernsey. We discussed the CPA and the Executive Committee meetings.

Meeting with members of the Western Australian Standing Committeee

Meeting with Nigerian Parliamentarians

Meeting with members of a Tanzanian Delegation Meeting with members of the Bangladesh Public Accounts Committee

With a member of the Guernsey Delegation

9

the Commonwealth Day Debate- Promoting the CPA and the Commonwealth

Most recently of all I had a meeting in mid-January with the Speaker of the Queensland Legislative Assembly, Hon. Fiona Simpson and I brought her up to speed on CPA developments. On the following day I met with the newly appointed Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP MP along with the Governor. As the host of the next CPA Executive Committee meeting and Caribbean Regional Representative, we had many fruitful topics to discuss.

In January I wrote to all Speakers to ask that they support the idea of holding a Commonwealth Day debate on or near the 11 March 2013. The primary purpose of holding such a debate would be to promote the Commonwealth within member nations and to educate our citizens on the principles and values of the Commonwealth. Most important and timely is the Draft Charter of the Commonwealth which Foreign Ministers approved in September. Where possible, CPA should be

doing its bit in supporting such a development. The debate will enhance the reputation of the CPA

and encourage the perception that our organisation is a predominant member of the Commonwealth family. Wherever possible, we should underline our ongoing commitment to the Commonwealth. I hope that members will do all they can in supporting such a development. I can confirm that the UK Parliament will be having a debate and I hope others will follow suit.

With Speaker Trotman and a delegation from Guyana Meeting with a delegation from Australia

Meeting with a delegation from Canada

Deputy Greffier, Simon Ross and Deputy Mike O’Hara, Guernsey

With the Premier of the Cayman Islands, Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP MP

10

On the 3rd December the Coordinating Committee met in London at the CPA Headquarters. The meeting was timed to coincide with the 5th Commonwealth Youth Parliament in which all the Officers were invited to participate. A number of matters were discussed not least the decision that for the first time the meeting would be minuted and those minutes distributed to the Executive Committee. This was one of the recommendations approved by the General Assembly to improve the transparency of the Committee.

I have covered throughout this Quarterly Report the bulk of what was discussed. However, a long and robust discussion took place around the update on reform of the CPA charitable status. Although too convoluted to go in to detail here, the nub of the issue centred on a disagreement over the advice given to the Committee from Wilson Solicitors and the direction the reform should take based on the Working Party recommendations. The issue, I hope, will be resolved at the Mid-Year Executive Committee meeting.

The Committee also discussed the CPA’s engagement with CHOGM and the goal of hosting a Commonwealth Democracy Forum. After subsequent discussions, it would seem that such a forum would need the approval of the Heads of Government. To take the issue forward, the proposal will have to be redrafted and officially presented to them. I am hopeful that the Secretary-General will be able to work on this in time, preferably in partnership with other organisations which together may have a greater chance of success. Nevertheless, we will continue to pursue an increase

CPA Coordinating Committee - Looking ahead for 2013

in representation for the CPA at CHOGM in Sri Lanka, in November.

Due to some rather disparaging remarks directed at the CPA at two recent events, I expressed a concern at the Committee meeting that more was needed to engage with the wider Commonwealth. At an UNDP MDG Forum in Manila and at another Commonwealth event in London, CPA was, I believe, wrongly accused of being unwilling to participate. It transpired that the Secretariat were unavailable due to prior commitments; however, it does increase the necessity for invitations to be disseminated to the wider Association to guarantee representation. Many within the CPA wish for greater recognition of the CPA throughout the Commonwealth and wider world, for that we need to engage to a larger degree. Perhaps on its own, it may not have meant a great deal. However, because the CPA failed also to submit any evidence to a recent UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee inquiry into the future of the Commonwealth, I feel that some work needs to be done in this

connection. Last but by no means least,

the Committee meetings looked at the structure and timing of the Executive Committee in relation to the Sub-Committees. A certain level of frustration has been expressed by Members and the Secretary-General over the difficulty as to how the Planning Review Sub-Committee can agree to programmes without knowing if funding is available and vice-versa. After much discussion it was agreed that a trial would take place. The Secretary-General proposed that the Finance Subcommittee documentation would include a list of new programmes being considered by the Planning and Review Subcommittee. On the other hand the Planning and Review Subcommittee documentation could include a tentative estimate of the amount of new funds available. Additionally the Sub-Committees could meet before the full Executive Committee. Whether this works we will have to wait and see!

The Coordinating Committee and I with the staff of the CPA Secretariat

11

In December 2012 it was announced by the Commonwealth of Australia Branch of the CPA that they were withdrawing from the Association as of the 31 December 2012.

The reasons for withdrawal were as follows:

I cannot help but be disappointed by this decision, which was supported by the Government of Australia. By our actions we have lost a founding member, this is certainly not an auspicious start in our second century. However, I am pleased that the other branches in the Australia region have chosen to remain and engage in strengthening the Association.

Whilst understanding some of the reasons given by CPA Australia for its departure, I do feel that walking away will not speed up the pace of reform. We cannot be held to ransom by any one branch, but we would be foolish if we did not heed the concerns expressed and look at ways to rectify them; otherwise we risk losing more members. Can we honestly call ourselves the Commonwealth

Parliamentary Association if we comprise of only parts of the Commonwealth?

I have discussed the matter with the President of the Senate, the Hon. John Hogg who until

September had been a Regional Representative on the Executive Committee and member of the Working Party. The predominant reason behind the branch’s decision stemmed from the Executive Committees decision not to create an Audit Committee, which would

report to the Executive Committee and General Assembly.

In many countries and international organisations, there is a great deal of importance on audit conducted internally and externally with the emphasis on absolute transparency and accountability over public finances. Although there is an external audit

of the CPA’s accounts there should be internal audit as well;addressing finances and governance.

The majority within the Executive Committee and the Working Party

took the opinion that the Finance Sub-Committee performs this function and that no change is required. However some within both bodies believed that the Sub-Committee looks mostly at issues placed before it by the Secretariat and ultimately there should be a committee which would review the structure, disciplines and output of the Association. Such a committee should be empowered to examine governance, not just financial to ensure that the Association is performing to its highest capabilities, much in the same way as the Cass Business School has in reviewing staff structure and performance within the Secretariat only a few months ago.

I am concerned that the CPA has not been as closely scrutinised as it might by the members of our branches. As parliamentarians we should set a high standard and expect greater criticism if we cannot justify the efficient use of the funding we receive. We also risk lagging behind other similar organisations in our governance structures. We should not duck the challenge.

I am sure that all within the leadership of the Association are as concerned as I am and wish to see this unfortunate development as a justification to be more proactive, more engaged and willing not only to reform but listen. I know I am.

• There was a general dissatisfaction with the level of reform due to the disappointing outcomes of the Working Party;

• A lack of accountability and effectiveness which is impacting on the credibility of the Association;

• The growing disparity between the high number of programme activities undertaken at branch level compared with those at the Secretariat level;

• What is perceived to be a growing division between regions across the Association.

Withdrawal of the CPA Branch of the Commonwealth of Australia

At a meeting with the President of the Australian Senate, Hon.The John Hogg

12

Chairperson’s Calendar

February2013

BIMR Conference - Falkland IslandsCPA Nothern Ireland

March 2013

Mid-Year ExCo - Cayman IslandsCPA JamaicaCPA BarbadosCPA AntiguaCPA Gibraltar

May 2013

24th Commonwealth Parliamentary Seminar - SingaporeCPA MalaysiaCPA CyprusCPA Nigeria

July 2013

51st CPA Canadian Regional Conference - Edmonton, Canada62ndWestminster Seminar - London

August2013

CPC 2013 - South Africa

September 2013

CPA Malta

November2013

CHOGM 2013 - Sri Lanka

Past Visits

August 2012

CPA India

September 2012

CPC 2012 - Sri Lanka

November2012

Cape Town, RSAGender Conference - London

December 2012

5th CYP - London

Contact meI am eager to be as accessible as possible, so please contact me as often as you want if there is an issue you want to discuss.My contact details are as follows:

Rt Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP1 St Stephens TowerPalace of WestminsterLondonSW1A 0AA

Tel: +44 (0) 207 219 5214/3340Email: alan.haselhurst.mp@parliament.ukor matthew.salik@parliament.ukWeb address: www.cpahq.org/cpahq/mem/default.aspxwww.siralanhaselhurst.net/

The Chairperson’s Quarterly Report is a newsletter produced with the help and resources of CPA UK. Images are supplied courtesy of the Houses of Parliament and CPA UK. Editor and contributor: Sir Alan Haselhurst. Production and design: Matthew Salik (IRO-CPA). Content support Charlotte RestorickA free hardcopy version is available upon request. If you would like to contribute to any article or have any feedback, please contact:Matthew Salik, CPA UK, Westminster Hall, Palace of Westminster, London, SW1A 0AATel: +44 (0) 207 219 5464, email: matthew.salik@parliament.uk

Chairperson’s ArticlesWith the assistance of the CPA Secretariat, I now have

two additional pages on the CPA website. You can have access to some of the articles I have written for various publications on behalf of the Association. In addition, a page has been created to place online some of the speeches I have given, such as at the Opening Ceremony for the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Colombo and the speech I gave at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Lecture, also in Colombo.