Public funds allocated to Members of Parliament to spend in their electorates can be referred to as Constituency Development Funds (CDFs). In Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, CDFs have risen to internationally unprecedented levels. However, there is very little publicly-available information on how CDFs are managed in practice and their impact on local development. This session brings together researchers and practitioners with considerable experience working directly with CDFs. Two researchers will present new findings from recent case study fieldwork in Solomon Islands on how CDFs are utilised on the ground and their impact on community development. Another presenter from Papua New Guinea will reflect on her experience as a women’s representative on prominent CDF committees at district and provincial levels. Speakers will offer different perspectives on how CDFs are managed, as well as their political and development implications.

Chair: James Batley, Distinguished Policy Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, ANU

Speakers: Tony Hiriasia, School of Government, Development and International Affairs, USP

Angela Nelson, Women’s Representative Milne Bay Provincial Assembly & Alotau District Development Authority, Papua New Guinea

John Sowei, PhD Candidate, School of Natural and Physical Sciences, Discipline of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Papua New Guinea

Colin Wiltshire, Research Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, ANU