Vanuatu's Parliament has been summoned by Speaker Simeon Seoule to meet for its 2022 First Ordinary Session this week.
There are 16 government bills to be debated.
Vanuatu parliament Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
One of these is a Supplementary Appropriation of VT1.2 billion, approximately $US10.5 million for 2022.
The biggest portion of the supplementary budget - VT344 million - will be spent on the Vanuatu Tourism Assistance Program: Phase 2 (2022-2024).
The Replenishment of Emergency Budget totals VT200 million, followed by the Refund Feeder Road Project with a total amount of VT100 million.
Another VT100 million will be allocated to the AVL Operation Cost for Port Vila International Airport, Santo Airport, and Tanna Airport.
The other 15 bills listed are:
- Bill for the Statistic Act
- Bill for the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act
- Bill for the Broadcasting and Television (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Electrical Works Safety Act
- Bill for the State Flag and Armorial Bearings (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Government (Amendment) Act
Also listed are the following:
- Bill for the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (Amendment)Act
- Bill for the National Audit Act
- Bill for the Maritime (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Shipping (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Maritime Sector Regulatory (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act
- Bill for the Price Monitoring and Consumer Affairs Act
- Bill for the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (Ratifications) Act.
The summon notice was signed by Speaker Seoule on April 27, and sent to 51 Members of Parliament to convene at 9am on May 12.
Some of the MPs are already in Port Vila.
Vanuatu parliament buildings Photo: RNZ/Sally Round