MPs urged to take responsibilities seriously

 

Members of Parliament have been urged to take their roles as representatives of the people seriously during this parliamentary term. 

 

New and returning MPs on Tuesday participated in an orientation session at Gordon House. 

 

In his opening statement, Deputy Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives Robert Morgan reminded the MPs of the significance of their positions as elected representatives.

 

"We should not take for granted the role that we play in this House. It is a role as the most important deliberative body in the country, a role that will influence the lives of people who will not be able to sit here and make decisions. It's a role that we should take and we should execute with the level of seriousness that it deserves. Myself as Deputy Leader of Government Business pledges to maintain an atmosphere of cooperativeness and collaboration, especially with my colleague on the other side and whoever his deputy may be," said Mr. Morgan.

 

The sentiments were endorsed by Leader of Opposition Business Phillip Paulwell, who added that consistent attendance at each sitting of the House must be a priority for each MP.

 

"As the Deputy Leader of Government Business has alluded, perhaps our most important function as elected representatives is what we do inside here. We confuse that sometimes and we often get a bit dismayed when our constituents see us as everything from birth to death, to them. Yes, social workers. But we really are elected to represent them inside here, to pass good laws and to make representations on their behalf so that they can be better served. So, with that, I want to urge full attendance at all times."

 

Mr. Paulwell said there should be a renewed mandate to restore public interest in parliamentary proceedings.

 

In previous years, concerns about poor attendance in Parliament have led to calls for changes to attendance rules for lawmakers.