LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF TONGA

PRESS RELEASE

PARLIAMENT TO CONVENE MEETINGS FROM 12 FERBUARY 2024

The Legislative Assembly will convene from Monday 12 February 2024 at 2:00pm, to continue meetings of the 2023 parliamentary session, since its last meeting on 9 November 2023. The current parliamentary year will officially close on 2 May 2024.

Members of Parliament are required to attend meetings of the Assembly. A Member who is absent from meetings for more than 3 consecutive months will lose his or her parliamentary seat, unless the further period of absence is approved by the Assembly. Approval was granted on 6 February 2024 (via circulation) for two Members of Parliament to be absent from meetings of the Assembly for more than 3 consecutive months. The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku was absent from the House’s meeting on 7 November 2023, so his 3-months period of absence was complete on 7 February
2024. His absence has been extended by an additional two weeks, due to official duties and medical reasons. The Minister of Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti was absent from the House’s meeting on 7 November 2023, so his 3-months period of absence was complete on 7 February 2024. His absence has been extended by 12 days, due to official duties.

The agenda items to be considered at this month’s meetings include government bills, regulations, reports from the House’s committees, annual reports from government ministries, audit reports, parliamentary visit reports, and parliamentary motions.

Issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
9 February 2024
Office of the Legislative Assembly, Nuku’alofa, Tonga