Overview
The Parliamentary Services Unit (PSU) is established under Section 132of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea and is governed by the Parliamentary Service Act 1997, which is to implement constitution provision. PSU is an office under the West New Britain Provincial Administration with a sole purpose to provide technical, administrative, and logistical support to the two principal law-making bodies of the province, which are:
- The Provincial Assembly (PA)
- The Provincial Executive Council (PEC)
The PSU serves as the operational backbone of the provincial legislative sector, ensuring that the legislative processes, meetings, and functions of the PA and PEC are conducted efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG).
Core Functions
The Parliamentary Services Unit performs the following core functions in support of the provincial legislative sector:
- Legislative Support – Providing technical and administrative support to the Provincial Assembly and Provincial Executive Council in the conduct of their legislative duties and responsibilities.
- Secretariat Services – Serving as the official secretariat to the Provincial Assembly and Provincial Executive Council, managing all meeting arrangements, agendas, minutes, and official records.
- Administrative and Logistical Support – Managing the administrative, logistical, and operational needs of the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Appointed Members, and Sector Chairmen.
- Records and Documentation Management – Maintaining accurate and complete records of all assembly proceedings, resolutions, enacted laws, policies, and official correspondence.
- Budget and Financial Management – Managing the budget and financial resources of the legislative sector in accordance with public financial management laws and regulations.
- Induction Training & Orientation – Conducting induction training and capacity building for newly elected politicians and nominated members.
Key Responsibilities
The Parliamentary Services Unit carries out the following key responsibilities in the performance of its functions:
- Organizing and coordinating all sittings of the Provincial Assembly and meetings of the Provincial Executive Council, including preparation of agendas, notices, and supporting documents.
- Preparing and maintaining proceeding records and official minutes of all Provincial Assembly sittings and PEC meetings.
- Providing legal and procedural advice to the Speaker, Governor, Assembly Members, and PEC on legislative processes and standing orders.
- Drafting, reviewing, and formatting provincial bills, resolutions, motions, and official assembly documents.
- Managing and safeguarding all official records, documents, and archives of the Provincial Assembly and PEC.
- Coordinating the logistical and administrative needs of assembly sittings, including venue, transport, accommodation, and catering arrangements.
- Supporting the preparation and submission of the legislative sector budget to the Division of Finance and Division of Planning, Coordination and Monitoring.
- Processing payments, managing expenditure, and ensuring financial accountability within the legislative sector.
- Facilitating the induction, orientation, and capacity building of newly elected and appointed assembly members.
- Coordinating intergovernmental and stakeholder engagements on behalf of the legislative sector.
- Providing administrative support to the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Appointed Members, and Sector Chairmen.
- Communicating assembly decisions, resolutions, and enacted laws to relevant Administrative Sectors and Divisions, stakeholders, and the public.
Programs & Services
The Parliamentary Services Unit delivers the following programs and services:
- Management and Administration – Providing day-to-day management, administrative, logistical, and operational support to the offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, Appointed Members, and other legislative offices. It is also responsible for managing the preparation, submission, and administration of the legislative sector, and for ensuring financial accountability and compliance with the Public Finance Management Act 1995.
- Assembly Sittings – Coordinating and managing the scheduling, preparation, and conduct of all Provincial Assembly sittings throughout the year, as well as managing and maintaining records and archives system for all assembly proceedings, enacted laws, resolutions, and official correspondence.
- PEC Meetings – Coordinating and managing the scheduling, preparation, and conduct of all Provincial Executive Council meetings throughout the year, as well as managing and maintaining records and archives system for all PEC proceedings, resolutions, enacted laws and policies, and official correspondence.
- Legislative Drafting and Documentation – Providing legislative drafting, formatting, and documentation services for provincial bills, policies, resolutions, and official assembly documents.
- Capacity Building and Member Orientation – Facilitating the induction, training, and ongoing capacity building of elected and appointed assembly members to enhance their legislative knowledge and performance.
- Community and Public Engagement – Supporting the engagement of assembly and PEC members with their constituents, communities, and stakeholders through liaison and consultations.
Structure & Leadership
The Parliamentary Services Unit is headed by the Director, who oversees the team responsible for:
- Office Administration & Management
- Provincial Assembly Clerk
- Provincial Executive Council Secretariat
Strategic Focus
The Parliamentary Services Unit is committed to:
- Providing professional, efficient, and inclusive support to the provincial legislative sector, upholding the principles of good governance, the rule of law, and democratic representation for the people of West New Britain.
Contact Information
For enquiries related to the Parliamentary Service Unit, please contact:
Division: Parliamentary Services Unit
Phone:
Email:
Location: Kimbe-Provincial Headquarters