The visit from the Tasmanian delegates to Samoa confirmed the twinning of the two branches and helped to launch a CPA twinning scheme which originated with the Tasmanian Parliament.
One of the earliest CPA Branch part- nerships, which started in February 2007 between the Samoan and Tasmanian Parliaments,was cemented by a delegation visit from four Tasmanian MPs from 13 to 16 May 2008 led by Branch President, Hon Paul Harriss MLC. The branch – led by the Speaker of the Samoan Fono, Hon. Tolofuavalelei Falemoe Leiataua,MP, hosted an excellent programme mix- ing business and social events. Eleven Samoan MPs from all sides of Samoan politics attended the joint workshop sessions.Two presentations were made by the Samoan Parliament.The first titled “the influ- ence of Samoan culture & tradition on the practices and procedures of the Samoan Parliament”was made by the Speaker.The second presentation on “opposition in Samoa”was made by Hon. Lealailepule R.Aiafi,MP. The first Tasmanian contribution was on the “efficient use of electorate resources” presented by Mr Harriss, Hon. Lin Thorp,MLC, Hon.Tania Rattray-Wagner, MLC and Mr Rene Hidding,MP.The second topic dis- cussed “tactics used in Tasmania” at Question Time, which was presented by Mr Hidding.The workshop was
Top: Samoan and Tasmanian delegates. Below:Tasmanian Branch President Hon. Paul Harriss presenting a gift to Hon.Tolofuavalelei Falemoe Leiataua.
conducted over two days of which much interest was shown by all
present in the workings of our twinned Parliaments.