BY NED GAGAHE
The historic Attorney General’s Conference of Parties kicked off at Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel yesterday, themed “The Role of the Attorney-General in the Provision of Legal Services in Contemporary States.”
The three-days conference will run from September 16 – 18, 2024, is the first of its kind hosted by the AG’s office, marking a significant milestone for both the office and the nation.
The event was graced by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele where he delivered the keynote address.
In his welcoming remarks Attorney General John Muria Jnr warmly welcomed the attendees of the inaugural Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties.
The Attorney General thanked the Government and People of Australia for funding the event through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia through the Australia Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice Sector.
Attorney General Muria Jnr said the idea to host the event was conceived in 2018, however, due to COVID -19, the 2023 Pacific Games and Joint National General Election discussion on the conference was sidelined until this year.
“But that did not prohibit discussions on possible ways to realize this vision.” He said.
“Discussions continued and with the assistance Australia Solomon Islands Partnership in Justice through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia, progress was made and we are here today because of the generosity of the Government and People of Australia.
“For my staff and myself, today is a historical moment. It is the first ever occasion, in which the Attorney-General’s Chambers is able to provide to the whole of Government Machinery, “what we do, how we do and why we do.” The Attorney-General’s Chambers is a service provider. We provide critical legal services to the Government. We are mandated by the Constitution.
The Attorney General said the theme of this conference, “The Role of the Attorney-General in the Delivery of Legal Services in a Contemporary State,” reflects the desire to build a responsive legal system, highlighting the necessity for legal services to adapt to globalization, technological advancements, and societal shifts.
He said this event is not just about addressing current challenges but about laying the groundwork for the future.
“It is about setting the foundation of an efficient and structured approach to addressing legal issues and challenges both present and future.
“The Government of National Unity and Transformation has two important themes in its name, they are National Unity and Transformation. We believe this conference is the Attorney-General’s Chambers input into a transformational pathway for Solomon Islands.
“There is no doubt that the Attorney-General’s Chambers will play an important part in the implementation of the Government’s plan or policy for National Unity and Transformation. We all know that the Government cannot do anything unless there is law governing its acts and law is what we do.
“So, the next two days, we will all be interacting as the whole of Government Machinery in a bid to enable our service users a better understanding of our roles, your roles and how we interact.
“Thank you for choosing to become part of this momentous occasion. For national unity to begin, whole Government must first be united. For transformation to take place, we must first all understand our respective roles.
“Law responds to Context. The next three days, we will understand that context and what it means.
“Once again, Hon. Prime Minister, Distinguished Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome everyone to the Inaugural Attorney-General’s Conference of Parties.
“It gives me great honour and pleasure to welcome to give his keynote address, Hon. Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Hon. Jeremiah Manele.” Attorney General John Muria Jnr said.
