The Legislative Assembly (Parliament) is the central institution through which both the Nobles and the People’s views are represented and expressed. Its core function is to make law. Since the Constitutional and electoral form that culminated in elections in 2010, the Legislative Assembly now elects the Prime Minister and is responsible for holding the Executive to account.
The Committee system enables members of Parliament to examine issues in more detail than is usually possible within the Legislative Assembly.
Parliamentary Committees can also provide the public with an opportunity to comment on and suggest changes to impending legislation (laws or regulations), and to participate in other parliamentary functions such as inquires.
The key objective of the committee system is to contribute to the work of the Legislative Assembly by inquiring into and reporting on a broad range of issues. Through inquiries, parliamentary committees carry out in-depth evaluation, analysis and review of work currently before or intended to be tabled and discussed in the Legislative Assembly. Its findings and recommendations on specific issues are tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
Some parliamentary committees play a critical role in scrutinizing the work of the Executive (Ministries and agencies).
Parliamentary committees are the operational arm of the Legislative Assembly, responsible for interacting with the Executive and line ministries, non-government organiza-tions and the public at large. It is also a key component of the new constitutional framework in that it provides people with a forum in which they can directly voice their concerns to the Legislative Assembly.
Committe of the Whole House
The Committee of the Whole House is made up of all the members of parliament. It sits at the same time as the Legislative Assembly.
The key distinction between the Committee of the Whole House and the Legislative Assembly is that the Committee of the Whole House has more flexible rules and less formalities and protocols. As such, the Legislative Assembly often resolves itself to the Committee of the Whole House so that issues can be discussed by members in more detailed and in a manner that is less formal.
Different types of Committees
There are two types of Parliamentary Committees, namely-
- Standing Committees
- Select Committees
Standing Committees are established at the beginning of the parliamentary term and continue until the Legislative Assembly is dissolved after 4 years for elections. As such, they are considered to be permanent or ‘standing’ committees.
There are currently 10 Standing Committees which provide continuity for related business of the Legislative Assembly.
In addition to Standing Committees, the Legislative Assembly can also establish ad hoc committees to undertake specific tasks. In 2023 there were a total of 4 Select Committees through established by the Legislative Assembly.
Select Committees are temporary committees. It will automatically dissolve when it has completed its work unless the Legislative Assembly extends the scope of its work.
Select Committees allow members to delve in-depth into a particular issue that is not captured within the terms of reference of Standing Committees.
Standing Committees
The 10 Standing Committees and their respective roles in the Legislative Assembly are as follows:
Finance & Public Accounts Committee
Responsible for oversight on the expenditure of the public funds and is concerned with public revenue, public expenditure, the budget estimate, Auditor General's report and every financial report relating to parliament's expenditures.
Noble’s Representatives
- Lord Nuku
- HSH Pilinisi Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
- Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi
- Hon. Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione
Environment & Climate Change and Environment Committee
Responsible for all issues related to the environment, sustainable development and climate change.
- Lord Fakafanua (Chairman)
- Lord Nuku
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
- Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu
- Hon. Mo’ale Finau
- Hon. Dulcie Tei
Nobles Representatives
- Lord Tu’iha’angana
- Lord Tu’ilakepa
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Sevenitini Toumoua
- Lord Tu’i’afitu
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi
- Hon. Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione
Social Services Committee
Responsible for all issues related to the sustainable development, gender equality and health issues.
- Lord Nuku
- HSH Pilinisi Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
- Lord Vaea
- Hon. Siale ʻAkauʻola
- Hon. Moʻale ʻOtunuku
- Hon. Tevita Fatafehi Puloka (Chairman)
Nobles Representatives
- Lord Tu’ivakano
- Lord Tu’ilakepa
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
- Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Vatau Mefi Hui
- Hon. Veivosa Light of Life Taka
Legislation Committee
Responsible for legislation (Bills and Regulations) and ensuring that Bills do not conflict with the constitution or any existing Acts.
- Lord Fakafanua
- Lord Tu’ivakano
- Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu
- Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
- Hon. Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi (Chairman)
- Hon. Tevita Fatafehi Puloka
- Attorney General
Noble’s Representative
- HSH Pilinisi Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
- Lord Nuku
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Lord Tu’i’afitu
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
People’s Representatives
- Hon. ‘Uhila Moe Langi Fasi
- Hon. Paula Piveni Piukala
Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
Responsible for issues related to international affairs, immigration and trade and defence of the country.
- HSH Pilinisi Kalaniuvalu Fotofili (Chairman)
- Lord Fakafanua
- Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu
- Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu
- Hon. Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi
- Hon. Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione
Nobles Representatives
- Lord Tu’ivakano
- Lord Tu’iha’angana
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
- Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Mo’ale Finau
- Hon. ‘Uhila Moe Langi Fasi
Privileges Committee
Responsible for matters regarding all members of Parliament and some inquiries relating to petitions.
- Lord Tu’ivakano (Chairman)
- Lord Tu’iha’angana
- Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
- Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu
- Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
- Hon. ‘Uhila Moe Langi Fasi
Noble’s Representatives
- Lord Tu’ilakepa
- Lord Nuku
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Siale ʻAkauʻola
- Lord Tu’i’afitu
People’s Representatives
- Hon. ‘Aisake Valu Eke
- Hon. Mo’ale Finau
Agenda Committee
Responsible for the agenda and planning the annual parliamentary program.
- Lord Fakafanua (Chairman)
- Lord Tu’iha’angana
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
- Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
- Hon. ‘Aisake Valu Eke
- Hon. Tevita Fatafehi Puloka
Noble’s Representatives
- Lord Tu’ilakepa
- Lord Nuku
Cabinet Ministers
- Lord Fohe
- Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Veivosa Light of Life Taka
- Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
Agriculture & Fisheries Committee
This Standing Committee started as a Select Committee and changed on 6th February 2012 as a Standing Committee. The functions of this Standing Committee is to inquire into matters relating to agriculture and fisheries (including the economic status regarding agriculture and fisheries, status of exporting markets for agriculture and fisheries and the status of sectors relevant to agriculture and fisheries) in Tonga and to report upon it to the Legislative Assembly..
- Lord Tu’ilakepa (Chairman)
- Lord Nuku
- Lord Fohe
- Lord Vaea
- Hon. Vatau Mefi Hui
- Hon. Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata
Nobles Representatives
- Lord Tu’ivakano
- HSH Pilinisi Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Sevenitini Toumoua
- Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Tevita Fatafehi Puloka
- Hon. Dulcie Elaine Tei
Anti-Corruption Committee
- Lord Tu’iha’angana
- HSH Pilinisi Kalaniuvalu Fotofili
- Lord Tu’i’afitu
- Hon. Sevenitini Toumoua
- Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
- Hon. ‘Uhila Moe Langi Fasi (Chairman)
Noble’s Representatives
- Lord Fakafanua
- Lord Tu’ivakano
Cabinet Ministers
- Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
- Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Kapelieli Militoni Lanumata
- Hon. ‘Aisake Valu Eke
Population & Development Committee
- Lord Tu’ilakepa
- Lord Tu’iha’angana
- Hon. Siale ʻAkauʻola
- Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu
- Hon. Veivosa Light of Life Taka
- Hon. Dulcie Elaine Tei (Chairwoman)
Noble’s Representatives
- Lord Fakafanua
- Lord Tu’ivakano
Cabinet Ministers
- Lord Vaea
- Hon. Viliami Uasike Latu
People’s Representatives
- Hon. Moʻale ʻOtunuku
- Hon. ‘Uhila Moe Langi Fasi
Select Committees
Select Committees are setup by Resolution of Parliament to focus on a particular area/issue requiring Parliament's attention. Normally, the Select Committee dissolves when it completes and submits its final report on matters referred to it from Parliament.
Select Committees in the current Parliamentary term includes-
Government Annual Reports Committee
- Lord Tu’ivakanō
- Lord Fakafanua
- Hon. Siaosi ‘Ofa Ki Vahafolau Sovaleni
- Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
- Hon. ‘Aisake Valu Eke (Chairman)
- Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
Noble’s Representative
Lord Tu’iha’angana
Cabinet Minister
Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
People’s Representative
Hon. Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi
Electricity Committee
- Lord Tu’ivakanō
- Lord Tu’ilakepa
- Hon. Samiu Vaipulu
- Hon. Viliami Uasike Lātū
- Hon. ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi (Chairman)
- Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
Noble’s Representative
Lord Nuku
Cabinet Minister
Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
People’s Representative
Hon. Paula Piveni Piukala
Lulutai Airlines Committee
- Lord Tu’ivakanō
- HSH Kalaniuvalu Fotofili (Chairman)
- Hon. Samiu Vaipulu
- Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
- Hon. Aisake Eke
- Hon. Paula Piveni Piukala
Noble Representative
Lord Nuku
Cabinet Minister
Hon. Viliami Uasike Lātū
People’s Representative
Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
Response to the Royal Opening Address Committee
- Lord Tu’ivakanō
- Lord Tu’iha’angana (Chairman)
- Lord Nuku
- Hon. Samiu Vaipulu
- Hon. Sevenitini Toumoua
- Hon Tiofilusi Tiueti
- Hon. ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi
- Hon. Mo’ale Finau
- Hon. Dulcie Tei
Noble’s Representative
Lord Tu’ilakepa
Cabinet Minister
Lord Fohe
People’s Representative
Hon. Johnny Grattan Vaea Taione
Overview Summary
- Committees scrutinize (watch over) the functions of the Executive and its Ministries and agencies.
- Standing Committees are Parliament's permanent Committees.
- Select Committees are temporary Committees of Parliament established to focus on specific and particular issues. It has a shorter duration.
- The Committee of the Whole House is made up of all the members of parliament. The Legislative Assembly often resolves itself to the Committee of the Whole House so that it can discuss issues in more detailed and in a manner that is less formal.
