Fale Alea 'o Tonga

A joint media training initiative between the Tongan and the Australian Parliament wrapped up yesterday at the Legislative Assembly’s Office.

Media and Communication Manager, Andrew Dawson and Assistant Director of the Department of Parliamentary Services Michael Ferguson coordinate the four day training.

THE Legislative Assembly’s session for 2011 was officially closed today in a soft closing ceremony.

The House was closed by three Nobles representatives, namely Lord Vaea, Lord Ma’afu and Lord Fakafanua.

A closing speech that is normally delivered by his Majesty King George Tupou V from the throne was read out by Lord Vaea.

In addressing the Speaker and members of the House, Lord Vaea informed them that successful appointments were made for the interim positions of Attorney General and the Lord Chancellor.

TECHNOLOGY has become a vital element in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga’s effort in generating awareness and streaming parliamentary proceedings and information in a global context. This endeavor is now realized with the kind assistance of the British High Commission’s office in Fiji.

A call has been made for the people to elect all members of Parliament including the Nobles.

Tongatapu 10 MP Semisi Tapueluelu highlights this when he presents his constituency’s parliamentary visit report in the House on Thursday, 13 October 2011.

Tapueluelu responded to a question put to him by the Hon. Minister of Labour, Commerce and Industries, ‘Isileli Pulu regarding the top priority concerns raised by his constituency.

MPs no longer get TOP$96 overtime per hour instead they get TOP$40 meeting fees when they convene for any Parliament Standing Committee.

The Hon. Finance and Inland Revenue Minister Sunia Fili revealed this in Parliament on Tuesday.

This is in response to a question by Tongatapu 8 MP Sione Taione whether reports by Taimi ‘o Tonga’s newspaper is true that politicians are making the most while in Parliament.

A parliamentary delegation from the Australian Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters today called on the Hon. Speaker of Parliament Lord Lasike.

The four member delegation is headed by Australian Labour Party MP Hon Allan Griffin. Other MPs include Senator Helen Polley a Senator for Tasmania, MP for the Australian Capital Senator Gary Humphries Territory and Delegation Secretary Ms Samantha Mannette.

ROAD maintenance is one of the top priorities highlighted in the Vava’u 15 constituency parliamentary report to boost tourism.

The number two Noble representative of Vava'u to Parliament, Lord Tu’i’afitu revealed this when he presented the Vava’u 15 parliamentary visit report in Parliament last week.

In addressing Parliament the Deputy Speaker of the House said the road to Mount Talau should be well maintained to boost tourism.

WINNERS of the Legislative Assembly’s first essay and drawing competitions were awarded with prizes today thanks to the auspices of the Tonga Communication Corporation (TCC).

Clerk of the House, Sione Tekiteki presented the awards worth up to TOP$2000 including a laptop and 7 Alcatel mobile phones to the winners.

The competition featured essay writings for the open category, 18-30 years old and another one for the 11-17 years of age.

TONGATAPU 9 new MP is to hold talks with the rest of his constituencies that were not consulted during the parliamentary visit in July this year.

This is because former Tongatapu 9 MP Kaveinga Fa’anunu was hospitalised at the time due to head cancer which led to his death on July 24th 2011.
Falisi Tupou will meet with the Holonga people at the Free Wesleyan Church hall (FWC) at 7pm this evening to hear their voices on matters concerning their daily lives.