Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko has clarified that Constitutional Avenue falls within the legal boundaries of Parliament.
This is after Opposition MP Jone Usamate raised concerns that he had parked his vehicle within the Parliament premises but was issued a police ticket for illegal parking.
Jitoko says Parliament remains committed to protecting its privileges while working with relevant authorities to ensure the orderly conduct of parliamentary business and the uninterrupted performance of members’ parliamentary duties.
He also explained that the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act extends the definition of Parliament’s precincts beyond the chamber itself.
Jitoko says Constitution Avenue therefore falls under the authority of the Speaker in relation to its administration, use and protection.
Last week, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu stressed that he stands by the traffic officer who issued the notice.
Tudravu says the officer had identified a traffic infringement and acted accordingly, stressing that the officer was simply carrying out his duties.
