Parliament of Samoa

Additionally, there is also a Privileges and Ethics Committee that also operates when the Legislative Assembly deems it necessary to deal with matters of privilege and overall conduct of Members, pursuant to the Legislative Assembly Powers and Privileges Ordinance 1960 and Standing Order 177.

Importance of Committees:

• Committees contribute to increasing public awareness on issues considered by Parliament and deliberate on matters referred from the Assembly to ensure certain areas of Government administration are well scrutinized; mostly on new bills and amendments to existing legislation after the second reading stage in the Assembly. Once a bill is referred, they have the power to summon persons, and or send for papers and records relevant to their proceedings and can meet in places away from Parliament precinct (only upon the Speaker’s approval).

• Committees provide another form of checks and balance – through its effective scrutiny of the Executive; Committees consider and deliberate on Government ministries and organizations reports such as: annual reports, statement of corporate objectives, corporate plans, public accounts, auditor’s report on irregularities, etc… presented to the Assembly.

• Committees provide an avenue for the public to contribute (be part) of the legislative process; through their submissions to respective Committees on various new or amending laws referred to Committees.

• Committees may conduct site visits to ensure what has been reported by Government Ministries on different projects are indeed factual and in line with its expenditure.

Committee Reports:

Committee Reports are in the form of written documents which outlines their findings and recommendations for the Government to consider and respond accordingly. Click Here to view Committee Reports.