The Parliamentary Compound

The Parliament of Sãmoa is based on the peninsular.  The new Parliament House was offered as a gift to Sãmoa by the Australian Government in 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of independence as ‘a symbol of Sãmoa’s long-standing and enduring partnership with the Government of Australia.’  It replaces a building from 1972 which was demolished.  Controversially, this multi-million-pound domed building was built without a press gallery, though the press are sometimes allowed in and sit in the public gallery.  It reflects a Sãmoan meeting fale, the chamber ceiling inspired by the native tueila flower.  The debating chamber has room for 65 members of parliament, and there is public seating for 300.