ROLE OF THE OPPOSITION
The parliamenary building in Avarua on Rarotonga island.
will just “guillotine” Bills tabled into the House. The opposition in this aspect conducts its duties with a view that it has a moral duty to the electors and taxpayers of the country to discharge its duties as elected representatives. The opposition feels very
obligated to be seen and heard and it is empowered somewhat by the encouragement of more responsibilities in committees and by the programmes and directions set by organizations such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. At the moment the opposition
is advancing the argument that the position of Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee should be held by the
opposition; but that has fallen on deaf ears. It is questionable for a government to audit itself hence that request. It is a common practice in many other Commonwealth Parliaments for the opposition to chair Public Accounts Committees. At public events, the opposition
is also acknowledging by way of courtesy and the Leader of the Opposition is often invited to such events as the representative of the alternative government. This may include “traditional”
Cook Islands events such as “title investitures” or government-organized conferences. The opposition is treated on par with the government at state funerals. The several state funerals held over the last couple of
years, apt speaking time was given to the government and the opposition as well so the tributes and respect- paying are fair and equal. The opposition also holds court
with the media and this can at times be a fiery and tenuous relationship. The media can sometimes be an ally of the opposition in printing or voicing its criticisms and concerns.
Conclusion One former Speaker, Deputy Prime Minister and long-serving MP for the Democratic Party said to me when I first came into Parliament: “My dear Wilkie, do not ever be in opposition.” I clearly understood that to mean that when in government one has access to the Treasury and to the
implementation of projects and indeed to the privileges and perks. Conversely, opposition MPs can
almost feel redundant unless they are pro-active types, chasing after initiatives that will be of benefit to the people they represent and the country as a whole. Mind you, that colleague of mine, whom I became very fond of as an articulate and clever political operator, came into politics in 1965 and at that time the opposition was organized as a political party but was not regarded by the government as having entitlements so it could do its work properly and effectively. Times have certainly changed for
the better and the opposition is a lot more dynamic; but there is still some way to go.
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