Introduction

As the world continues to embrace technology, legislative institutions face the challenge of adapting to the digital era. In this context, the role of technical staff becomes increasingly important in ensuring the smooth functioning of these institutions. Sindilegis President Alison Souza, former Brazilian Senator Antonio Anastasia, and U.S. Congressman James McGovern discussed the importance of public servants, investing in staff, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors in their conversation.

Recognizing the Essential Role of Public Servants

Alison Souza, President of Sindilegis, the Union representing the staff at the Brazilian Congress, emphasised the essential role of public servants in the digital transformation of legislative institutions. He highlighted the Brazilian Federal Senate and House of Representatives’ successful remote deliberations and called for acknowledging the technical staff’s contributions to this accomplishment.

Maintaining an Excellent Technical Staff

Former Brazilian Senator Antonio Anastasia praised the highly qualified technical staff working in Brazil’s legislative institutions. He credited their expertise for the successful implementation of remote sessions during the trucker’s strike crisis in 2018. Anastasia emphasised the need for constant qualification, recognition, and a competitive salary to maintain and attract top talent.

Investing in Staff and Embracing Technology

U.S. Congressman James McGovern agreed with Anastasia and acknowledged the importance of technology in improving governance and communication with constituents. He stressed the need to invest in staff, offering better pay and supporting educational costs to retain and attract experts who can help navigate technological advancements.

The Importance of Qualified Public Servants

Alison Souza reiterated the need for qualified public servants and pointed out the challenges of replacing them. He also criticised attempts to diminish the importance of public servants in society, arguing that public institutions need well-qualified technical staff to thrive.

Public and Private Sector Partnership

Souza provided an example of successful collaboration between the public and private sectors in Brazil’s agricultural area, where government investment in Embrapa leads to cutting-edge research that benefits the country’s rural producers. He argued that the public sector should create rules that allow the private sector to perform well, dismissing the idea of a conflict between the two.

Conclusion

The discussion with Sindilegis President Alison Souza, Former Brazilian Senator Antonio Anastasia, and U.S. Congressman James McGovern underscored the importance of technical staff in the digital transformation of legislative institutions. To ensure the continued success of these institutions, it is vital to invest in staff through competitive salaries, educational support, and constant qualification. Cooperation between the public and private sectors can lead to even greater achievements, with the public sector setting the stage for the private sector to excel.