THE Pacific Games Bill 2016 and the Ombudsman Bill 2016 have been presented before Parliament for Second Reading yesterday.

These two Bills were moved by Minister of Home Affair, Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Maelanga and the Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare.

Presenting the Pacific Games Bill 2016, Hon Maelanga said the Bill will be the legal framework of 2013 Pacific Games which will be held in the country.

He told parliament that the Bill is a much anticipated legal document after the country won the bid to host the 2013 Pacific Games last year.

Hon Maelanga said the Bill will provide legal framework to manage funds allocated for infrastructure developments in preparation for the games and also help the host country honour the Pacific Games Charter.

He said the Pacific Games brings hope for our nation in terms of economic development and nation building, and that best support and preparation is paramount.

Hon Maelanga acknowledges the Bills and Legislation Committee for the report of the enquiry into the Bill which was submitted to the Chairman of the Committee this week.

Presenting the Ombudsman Bill 2016, Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare said the Bill is one among series of Government Bills to better the quality of governance and efficiency of public service delivery as well as public administration.

He told parliament that the Ombudsman Bill 2016, Leader Code Bill, National Anti-Corruption Bill, New Electoral Bill, Political Parties Amendment Bill, whistle Blower Protection Bill and the Right Information Access Policy are the top priority of Democratic Coalition for Change Government.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the Ombudsman Bill 2016 was a result of review work undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2015 and 2016 with 13 consultations held in Honiara and in the provinces.

He said consultation report highlights the need to revamp the Ombudsman constitution to meet minimum standard performance as such there is a need to reassess the role of this important constitutional office.

Prime Minister Sogavare continues to say the the Ombudsman Office was created in recognition of the increasing powers of public authorities that at time affect people’s lives and also the need for public officers to be held accountable for their actions.

He said the Ombudsman must be adequately empowered to carry out his investigation into complains, adding, investigations and findings must also be acted upon to improve the delivery of Public service and the way public administrations are administered.

“It is considered to repeal and replace the current Ombudsman further provision act rather than amendments to the existing Act,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.

He said the Ombudsman Bill and the National Anti-Corruption strategy will be introduced in Parliament during the current sitting while the rest of other Bills will be tabled later this year and next year.