CDI Assisting Timor-Leste Parliament with review of Procedures

At the request of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, CDI is assisting Committee A (Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Justice, Public Administration, Local Government and Government Legislation) of the Timor-Leste Parliament in its task of reviewing and revising the Rules of Procedure or Standing Orders of the National Parliament. Committee A has representation from all the main parties in the Parliament. The task of revising the parliamentary Standing Orders was referred to Committee A by the Plenary.

CDI's role is to facilitate the provision of expert advice. In doing so, CDI is drawing on best practice in Australia and elsewhere in the region. 

Ms Lynn Lovelock, Clerk of the Legislative Council, Parliament of New South Wales and CDI Deputy Director, Quinton Clements, in conjunction with Timorese technical advisers in Dili, are assisting Committee A with this review. Ms Lovelock's and Mr Clements' role involves reviewing the Standing Orders, identifying gaps, examining whether the Standing Orders comply with and complement other existing legal instruments such as the Constitution and advising Committee A accordingly. It is expected that this project will be completed by the end of 2008 so that Committee A's recommendations can be considered by the Plenary in early 2009.