Speaker’s Advisory on the Scope of Parliamentary Precincts

The Business Committee met on the afternoon of Thursday, 13 August 2026, to consider the parliamentary business scheduled for the August sitting of Parliament. The meeting also provided an appropriate opportunity for the Chair, to address matters that fall within the authority and responsibility of the Office of the Speaker, particularly issues relating to the definition and administration of the Parliamentary precincts.

In light of recent public discussion concerning the booking of a vehicle belonging to the Hon. Jone Usamate, whilst undertaking parliamentary duties, it is important to clarify the meaning and extent of the Parliamentary precincts.

Whilst Standing Order 3 refers to the ‘Parliamentary precincts’, means:  “The Parliamentary premises is under the control and administration of the Speaker”; the definition provided therein is broad in nature and unhelpful.  For greater clarity, reference must be made to section 2 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act 1965, which defines the ‘precincts of Parliament’ as –

“The chamber and offices of Parliament and any places provided for the use or accommodation of strangers, members of the public or representatives of the press and includes, while Parliament is sitting, and subject to any exceptions made by direction of the Speaker or President, the entire building in which the chamber of Parliament is situated, and any forecourt, yard, garden, enclosure or open space adjoining or appertaining to such building and used or provided for the purposes of Parliament.”

Based on this statutory definition, the Parliamentary precincts extend beyond the Chamber itself and encompass the wider Government Buildings complex, including adjoining areas that are provided for parliamentary purposes. This includes Constitution Avenue, which forms part of the forecourt and access area associated with Parliament. The word “appertaining” when used in this context is the word legal in nature and normally describes a right when by its nature is incidental to the principal property.  In this case, the Chair holds the view that the access to the Parliament Chambers is principally by way of the ‘Constitutional Avenue’, which forms part of the forecourt of the Parliament buildings. As such, the Parliament has what is termed in law as an incidental right to the Avenue and comes within the determination of ‘Parliament Precinct’ as defined under section 2 of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.

Accordingly, it is the considered position of the Office of the Speaker that Constitution Avenue falls within the Parliamentary precincts and is therefore subject to the jurisdiction and authority of the Speaker in matters relating to the administration, use, and protection of those precincts.

The Office of the Speaker remains committed to upholding the privileges of Parliament whilst maintaining constructive co-operation with all relevant authorities in ensuring the orderly conduct of parliamentary business and the uninterrupted performance of a Member’s parliamentary duties.