Samoa and Australia break ground for new Legislative Assembly Offices

By Staff Reporters/

Apia, SAMOA – 04 July 2024 – The Governments of Samoa and Australia today broke ground to start the construction of Samoa’s new Legislative Assembly Office complex next to the Parliament Building at Mulinu’u.

Australia funded the Parliament Building that opened in 2019 and is also funding the Legislative Assembly Offices which will house the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and service Members of Parliament.

The Ground breaking Ceremony this morning was attended by Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, the Speaker Papali’i Li’o Oloipola Ta’eu Masipa’u, Members of Parliament and the Australian High Commissioner HE Will Robinson.

The construction will be fully funded by Australia, with no loans or debt to the Government of Samoa. No cost was given for the whole project.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and the Australian High Commissioner HE Will Robinson a this mornings ground breaking ceremony.

High Commissioner Will Robinson said it was Australia’s honour to be a contributor to preserving and supporting institutions that help to uphold the democratic values that both countries hold dear, for the benefit of every citizen.

“Our partnership with Samoa is providing new buildings for the institutions that stand on these sacred grounds – first through the Maota Fono, and now through the Legislative Assembly Office.

“As tides of conflict and authoritarianism wash at the shores of peace and stability, we must continue to invest in maintaining the foundations of our sovereignty,” said Robinson.

The new Legislative Assembly Office building will be a modern, functional, and climate resilient building to support the 21st century needs of Samoa’s parliamentary and democratic customs.

Parliament Speaker Papali’i Li’o Oloipola Ta’eu Masipa’u welcomes Australian High Commissioner Will Robinson at the ceremony.

The construction will follow the Quality Infrastructure Principles that were agreed by Pacific Island Forum members in 2023, including: an emphasis on the use of local labour, developing local talent and supporting local business; climate resilience and energy efficiency; and inclusivity, including for people with disabilities and women’s participation.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa acknowledged the immense contribution by Australia to Samoa’s development goals.

“Its strong collaborative efforts to ensuring ongoing and improved access for the people of Samoa to parliamentary processes supporting Samoa’s and Australia’s good governance strategies,” said Fiame.

Construction is expected to span 22 months, commencing this month. Construction will however pause when the Leaders of the Commonwealth meet at the Parliament Building in October this year.

The main contractor is Reeves International Pty Ltd which was awarded the construction contract following open tender, with the support of Samoan firms.

Australian and Samoan flags fly as staff of both the Australian High Commission and Samoan Parliament and contractors pause for a group photo.