Eight UK parliamentarians have returned from Australia after attending the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Sydney. Together with over 500 parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from all over the Commonwealth they met to formally recognise the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy. The theme of the conference was ‘Engage, Empower, Sustain: Charting the Course for Resilient Democracy.’ 

Before it began, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg said, “Commitments to democracy, human rights and good governance are cornerstones of the CPA’s work and we will have the opportunity to discuss these commitments as we meet this week. As we come together, it provides us with an opportunity to review progress of the Commonwealth and its values and principles.” 

The conference was hosted by the Parliament of New South Wales and ran from 3-8 November 2024.  

The Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Anthony Albanese, MP, addressed the conference saying, “Democracy is the backbone of our parliaments. A strength demonstrated in the tremendous diversity and mobilising power of the nations represented at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. But democracy is more than abstract - it’s about making a positive difference, delivering for people, taking on the big challenges. Challenges like tackling climate change and seizing the economic opportunities of clean energy. Challenges we will take on together. Thank you for the contribution you make to life and the strength of Parliaments around the world.” 

During the conference UK delegates took part in workshops which addressed some of the most critical issues of our time. Sharon Hodgson MP spoke at a workshop on Violence and Abuse of Parliamentarians, whilst Baroness Ann Taylor spoke at a Future-Proofing Democracy workshop with a focus on new ways to keep women parliamentarians safe and how to support them.  

Lord Syed Kamal took part in a workshop about artificial intelligence and how parliaments are implementing AI, and the opportunities and challenges it presents.  

This year’s Lifaka Lecture (in memory of former CPA Chair Emilia Monjowa Lifaka) was given by Hon. Michael Kirby, an international jurist, educator and former judge from Australia. He spoke about the key human rights issues affecting Commonwealth jurisdictions and the unique position of parliamentarians as both legislators and representatives of the people, giving them the power to shape policies, pass laws and hold governments accountable for human rights violations. 

The 8th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Conference took place at the same time, and there were also meetings of the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network. Marsha De Cordova MP joined a visit to the Royal Rehab Ryde, a rehabilitation hospital in Sydney, to see their work and tour the brain and spine injury units.  

Meanwhile, the President of The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the New South Wales Legislative Council, said that the event helped parliamentarians to “imagine the future of democracy and ensure its resilience in the face of current and future threats.” 

Whilst in Sydney, the UK delegation laid a wreath at the Sydney War Cemetery to mark Remembrance Day. The cemetery is looked after and cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.