The second meeting of the 10th Assembly convened today at the Assembly Chamber with a powerful address from the Honorable Speaker Peter Aoraunisaka, who took the opportunity to remind Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) about the importance of ethical leadership in governance.
The Honorable Speaker began the session by emphasizing the five key principles of ethical leadership, with a focus on the vital role that leaders play in nurturing community.
“Ethical leadership builds community,” the Speaker stated, stressing the need for leaders to care for both their followers and the broader community. He elaborated on the core principles of ethical leadership, including the importance of leaders not imposing their own ideas on others, staying grounded in strong relationships with everyone, and responding to the needs of the community. Leaders, he said, must prioritize the collective goals and well-being of the community they serve.
The Speaker also took a moment to extend New Year greetings to all present in the chamber, including the Hon. Premier, Deputy Speaker, members of the Executive Government, and heads of departments.
“A blessed and joyous New Year to all of you from our small team in the Assembly Office,” he remarked.
Addressing the Assembly members directly, the Speaker reminded them of his previous welcome speech delivered in May 2024, where he had urged for training to help MPAs steer Assembly proceedings, debates, and legislative etiquettes.
Unfortunately, this induction training had not been provided, a shortcoming that the Speaker described as “a failure.”
As the Assembly convenes this week to deliberate on the Revised Budget for 2024/25, the Speaker acknowledged the efforts put in by all responsible parties to ensure that the budget would be presented for approval.
He recognized the importance of the budget as a key item on the agenda but also highlighted the broader importance of legislative accountability.
“The purpose of legislative accountability is to ensure that the government does the right thing for the people,” the Speaker said.
He then turned his attention to the untapped potential within Guadalcanal, pointing out that the province is home to many young and talented individuals.
“Guadalcanal has excellent, young, and competent people,” he observed, before expressing concern over the lack of an institutional framework that allows these individuals to contribute fully to governance.
“There is no system in place for these intelligent people to express themselves,” he noted, calling for action to create opportunities for the province’s youth to participate in the development of its future.
The Speakerβs remarks set the manner for a week of deliberations, with the Revised Budget 2024/25 taking centre stage in the discussions.
His call for greater youth involvement in governance and the reinforcement of ethical leadership principles resonated strongly with the Assembly members, laying the groundwork for a productive and accountable session ahead.
The Assembly Meeting is adjourned till nine o’clock tomorrow morning.
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GP Media.
Pic: Honorable Peter Aoraunisaka, Speaker of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly.
