The States Assembly has published its 2019 annual report with aim of bringing clarity and transparency to the inner workings of the States Assembly and its associated offices.
The annual summary details the work of the Assembly, Scrutiny and the Law Drafters Office. Included in the report are summaries of activity of each of these, an overview of the developments and initiatives that took place to improve internal processes and access to the public as well as key outreach work done.
Publication has been delayed due to COVID-19, however it is now available on the States Assembly site.
Key highlights include a summary of States Assembly sittings which sat for 35 days with 133 hours of that time spent on public business – debating proposals and legislation. A jump in written questions from 284 in 2018 to 529 in 2019 showed increased activity from Members in this area.
Following the recommendations of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, the Assembly adopted the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Jersey) Law and a petition from a member of the public led to a proposal from Deputy Jeremy Maçon which provided additional protection for cats from hit and runs.
Scrutiny Panel’s published reports on Mental Health, Family Friendly Employment Rights, Population and Migration policy and the Government Plan. In addition, Scrutiny Panels undertook an assessment of mental health services, family friendly employment rights and reducing the use of plastics in Jersey.
To ensure gender neutrality, changes were brought to the titles of chairman and chairmen in the panels, with chair and chairs replacing them.
Engagement work such as access to online hearings, school visits, the Youth Assembly and the celebration of Votes for Women all helped engage Islanders with politics.
The report is available in full HERE.