The groundbreaking for the construction of the new SAT$54 million Legislative Assembly Office funded by the Government of Australia took place at Mulinuu on Thursday. 

Australia announced the funding for the Office of the Legislative Assembly (O.C.L.A.) complex in 2019 following the opening of the Parliament House, also financed by their government.

The occasion was witnessed by Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, representatives from contractor Reeves International Pty Ltd, and senior government officials. 

The new Legislative Assembly Office building will be a modern, functional, and climate resilient building to support the 21st century needs of Samoa's parliamentary and democratic customs.

Construction will be fully funded by Australia. A project that has an approximate cost of AUD$30million and is not a loan to the Government of Samoa. 

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa acknowledged with great gratitude the immense contribution by Australia to Samoa’s development goals. 

She said this includes ongoing and improved access for the people of Samoa to robust parliamentary processes that support good governance strategies.  

“Improved governance is a priority in the Samoa-Australia Partnership for Development and a strategic goal of Australia as outlined in Australia’s aid strategy and I quote: "The "Effective Aid" strategy highlights the importance of increased support for leadership, civil society and democracy in efforts to improve governance.”

The master plan for the redevelopment of the Parliament complex was formulated in 2012. The old Legislative Assembly Office was demolished in 2015. 

The new building will be constructed on the footprint of the old structure that was affected by the inevitable impacts of climate change. 

Fiame said standing here today was a reminder of how the site was an integral part of Samoa’s cultural and political heritage and development over the last 62 years.  

The new office is a facility mostly inspired by environmentally sustained design and principles; and social inclusiveness. 

Construction is expected to span 22 months, commencing July 2024. Construction will pause before and during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024.

Australia High Commissioner William Robinson spoke about how he was conscious about gathering on the sacred grounds of Tiafau, steeped in Samoan traditions and political history, a sacred meeting place of ancestors handed down through generations. 

“We honour those who have paved the way for us. Their traditions continue to the present day,” he said. 

 “And it is Australia’s honour to be a small contributor to preserving and supporting these traditions. 

“Our partnership with Samoa is providing new buildings for the institutions that stand on these sacred grounds – first through the Maota Fono, and now through the Legislative Assembly Office.

“These institutions help to uphold the democratic values that both our countries hold dear, for the benefit of every citizen.” 

The new Legislative Assembly Office will serve Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly. 

It is estimated that the new Office will be completed in April 2026, before the next General Elections.