ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY and RESPONSIBILITY in Parliaments ETHICAL GOVERNANCE ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY and RESPONSIBILITY in Parliaments Tangata Vainerere Executive Director Pacific Legislatures for Population and Governance (PLPG)

To give people a voice in the management of public affairs ETHICAL GOVERNANCE ACCOUNTABILITY TRANSPARENCY AIM To give people a voice in the management of public affairs RESPONSIBILITY

ETHICAL GOVERNANCE No democratic system of Government can be effective without TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY.

TRANSPARENCY - Honesty and Openness - The quality of being easily seen through. Hallmark = actions & results are virtuous enough to bear public scrutiny

Hallmark = Ethical, responsible and sustainable practices. ACCOUNTABILITY - Assurance of Responsibility – Being answerable to the stakeholders Hallmark = Ethical, responsible and sustainable practices.

EXPECTATIONS - Oversight Responsibilities – 1. Watchdog for Policy Implementation Object: ensure approved policies are delivered to the required standard. Benefits: policy goals are achieved

EXPECTATIONS - Oversight Responsibilities – 2. Detect and Prevent Waste Object: hold govt to account how taxpayers money is used. Benefits: efficient, economic & effective govt operations

EXPECTATIONS - Oversight Responsibilities – 3. Detect and prevent abuse Object: censure unconstitutional conduct by govt & public agencies. Benefits: rights and liberties of citizens are protected

EXPECTATIONS - Oversight Responsibilities – 4. Ensure Operational Integrity Object: enhance public trust & confidence in govt operations. Benefits: effective policy delivery & improved quality of life for citizens

1. Executive Dominance 2. Absolute Majorities 3. The Guillotine KEY CHALLENGES 1. Executive Dominance 2. Absolute Majorities 3. The Guillotine 4. Conflicts of Interest

RECOMMENDATION 1 Legislators should maintain high standards of accountability, transparency and responsibility in the conduct of all public and parliamentary matters.

RECOMMENDATION 2 The Legislature should develop, approve and enforce a code of conduct, including rules on conflicts of interest and the acceptance of gifts.

RECOMMENDATION 3 Legislatures should require legislators to fully and publicly disclose their financial assets and business interests.

RECOMMENDATION 4 Legislatures should establish mechanisms to prevent and detect corruption, and bring to justice legislators and staff engaged in corrupt practices.