APIA: 22 May 2012: Planning for the redevelopment of the Parliamentary Complex at the Mulinu’u grounds took a forward step last week between the Australian and Samoan government representatives.

The project will include the refurbishment of the Maota Fono – the Parliament Building and the Legislative Assembly Offices.

The Governor-General of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce announced the project during an address to the Parliament of Samoa on 31 March.

The project is in recognition of Samoa’s 50^th anniversary of independence and of the importance of democratic institutions to Samoa.

During the consultations, Australian High Commissioner Dr Stephen Henningham and design and planning specialists from Australia met the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the members of the Parliamentary Business Committee.

They held discussions with Samoan officials including the Deputy CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Seali’imalietoa Melepone Isara; Assistant CEO for Planning at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; Tagaloa Jude Kohlhase and Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Fepuleai Atila Ropati.

In addition, the team met leading figures in the building and construction industry and representatives from civil society.