Commonwealth Parliamentarians came together in person and virtually to discuss the role of Parliaments in tackling the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic at the 2021 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Australia and Pacific Regional Conference in Perth, Western Australia from 1 to 4 November 2021. Delegates attended in person and virtually from across the two CPA Regions under the theme of ‘Parliament, People and Pandemics’.

The CPA Regional Conference was opened with a keynote presentation by Professor Colleen Hayward, a leading expert from Western Australia on policies relating to equity and social justice, who spoke of the importance of parliamentary democracy in the Commonwealth and the importance of Parliamentarians representing their communities. Delegates were welcomed by the Joint CPA Western Australia Branch Presidents, Hon. Alanna Therese Clohesy, MLC, President of the Western Australia Legislative Council and Hon. Michelle Hopkins Roberts, MLA, Speaker of the Western Australia Legislative Assembly.

The Acting CPA Chairperson, Hon. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP (United Kingdom) sent a video message to the Regional Conference and thanked delegates for their support for the Association during the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg also updated Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff via video link on the CPA Headquarters Secretariat's activities during the pandemic and many new initiatives for the membership including the CPA Parliamentary Academy. He said: “It was good to attend this important CPA Regional Conference, albeit virtually. I was pleased to speak about the CPA’s priorities as set out in our new Strategic Plan and to answer questions on important subjects, including CPA’s work on both human rights, good governance and the Sustainable Development Goals. The hosting of this CPA Regional Conference, despite the challenges of the pandemic, emphasises the importance of bringing together our network.”

Regional Conference presentations included the Acting CPA Small Branches Chairperson, Joy Burch, MLA, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory and H.E. Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Speaker of the Parliament of Fiji on the performance of Parliaments; with further presentations by Members from Australia Federal, Western Australia, New South Wales and Northern Territory.