GOVERNMENT has proposed to expand support to the elderly by lowering the starting point for aged welfare payments from 75 years to 70 years effective on July 1st 2014.

THE Legislative Assembly of Tonga is adjourned until tomorrow.

THE Legislative Assembly of Tonga today opens with a prayer led by the Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua.

In his prayer he calls on God’s continued guidance as the House begins the last session of the parliamentary term 2010-2014.

Meanwhile the new Noble Representative of the Niuas, Lord Fusitu’a was also sworn in as the new Member of Parliament.

LORD Fusitu'a has won the by-election for the Niuas Noble Representative to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, according to information from Radio Tonga.

The by-election follows the passing of late Lord Fusitu’a last month.

Radio Tonga reports that Election Supervisor, Pita Vuki announced at 12pm today, that (42) Lord Fusitu’a won with two votes defeating other candidates Lord Fotofili and Lord Tangipa.

Lord Fusitu’a formerly known as Matai’ulua ‘i-Fonuamotu Fusitu’a was installed with the hereditary noble title earlier this month. He is the noble estate holder of Sapa’ata Niuafo’ou.