By GINNAH MINI
The National Parliament of Papua New Guinea has launched its second website aimed at strengthening democratic system in the country and for a modern parliament that is more open, transparent and accessible to all citizens.
The website was launched on Wednesday under the theme “A digital parliament for a greater transparency, accessibility and public engagement” following its ongoing commitment that the house of the people is accessible by the people.
Speaking at the launching of the website at State Function Room of the National Parliament, Clerk of Parliament, Kala Aufa said that the website is a bridge that connects the halls of parliament to the citizens across PNG’s provinces, remote islands and to the global community watching PNG.
Mr. Aufa noted that the first parliament’s website was launched in 2013, providing citizens with access to parliamentary information, however, due to rapid evolved technology and transformed digital landscape, it has become outdated.
“After more than a decade of faithful service, it has become abundantly clear that our digital home needed a comprehensive upgrade, to be placed with changing times, new technologies, and the evolving needs of our people,” Mr. Aufa said.
The website was launched in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs.
UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative, Aadil Mansoor, in his remarks said that the digital innovation agenda will bring parliament closer to the people and that the initiative demonstrates parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability and public engagement.
“The new website will provide citizens with easier access to parliamentary information, information on parliamentary proceedings, committee work and legislation,” Mr. Mansoor said.
“It will strengthen transparency by making information more readily available, it will hopefully encourage greater public understanding of parliament’s work and promote citizen engagement, and, it is an important investment in a more and open responsive parliament.”
The website gives citizens fast access to the parliamentary schedule, public notice and current debate and also make it easier for the constitution to track parliamentary proceedings and the committee work.