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There are currently 5 Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly. They are — a) The Standing Committee on Finance; b) The Standing Committee on Legislation; c) The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade; d) The Standing Committee on Internal Affairs; e) The Standing committee on Privileges of the Legislative Assembly;
Pictured (from left):- Minister of Works - Hon. Tu'ivakano, Former Minister of Justice & Attorney General - Hon. Aisea Taumoepeau, Chief Opposition Whip (Aus.) - Hon. Crosio, Former Clerk of the House - Ms. Fatai Pale, Former Nobles Representative (Vava'u) - Hon. Fakatulolo, Minister of Lands & Survey - Hon. Fielakepa and Peoples' No.1 Representative (Tongatapu) Mr. 'Akilisi Pohiva. Standing Committees consist of not less than 9 nor more than 12 Members, unless the House otherwise directs. Members of Standing Committees serve for a full term (3 years). The Chairman for each Standing committee is appointed by the Speaker of the House. However, any Member of a Standing committee may, at the approval of committee members act as Chairman, if the Chairman is unable to attend any meeting. A quorum consists of 5 or more Members. The Standing Committee on Finance is responsible for all matters pertaining to the Collection of all Public Income and the Proper Expending of all Public Monies, and also include the Annual Estimates. Notwithstanding this, the House by resolution shall still direct the work of the Committee, with specific assignments. The Current Standing Committee on Finance is chaired by the Minister of Finance - Hon. Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu Committee on LegislationThe Standing Committee on Legislation shall be responsible for all the Bills referred to it by the House and for matters relating to the Rules for Proceeding of the Legislative Assembly and any Resolution from the House to be passed on to the Government. The Current Standing Committee is chaired by the Minister of Lands and Survey - Hon. Fielakepa and includes, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General - Hon. Siaosi 'Aho and Mr. Sunia Fili, Mr. 'Isileli Pulu and Mr. Fineasi Funaki. Where Bills are referred to the Standing Committee on Legislation, the Committee is responsible for – (i) checking whether the Bill conflicts with the Constitution or any Act currently in existence; (ii) checking words and terms used in the Bill and confirming that they are consistent and in conformity with standard drafting practices or with other Acts in existence; (iii) checking that there are no grammatical or spelling errors; (iv) checking that the English and Tongan versions of the Bill are consistent; and (v) checking the format of the Bill is consistent with the formatting standard for Bills. Committee on Foreign Affairs and TradeThe Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for all matters pertaining to customs, defence, foreign affairs, immigration and trade. Notwithstanding this, the House by resolution may still direct the work of the Committee with specific assignments. Committee on Internal AffairsThe Standing Committee on Internal Affairs shall be responsible for all the Petitions referred to it by the House and under Rule 122; and for matters relating to the Internal affairs and any motions regarding the public from the House to be passed on to the Government. Where petitions are referred to the Standing Committee on Internal Affairs, the Committee is responsible for – (i) checking whether the signatures on the petition are authentic; (ii) checking that all signatories are over the legal age; and (iii) checking that the petition is relevant to the business of the House. Standing Committee on PrivilegesThe Standing Committee on Privileges is responsible for all matters relating to the power and immunities of the House, the rights of members and officers including all issues relating to disciplinary hearings or impeachment or contempt hearings of members. Notwithstanding this, the House by resolution may direct the work of the Committee with specific assignments. Where impeachments are referred to the Standing Committee on Privileges of the House, the Committee is responsible for – (i) checking whether there is a case to answer for the impeachment; (ii) checking whether there are any evidence supporting the impeachment; and (ii) recommending to the House whether there is a true case to be answered in the impeachment. [ Back to Top ]
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