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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.
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.
There are two types of Parliamentary Committees, namely-
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.
The 10 Standing Committees and their respective roles in the Legislative Assembly are as follows:
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
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Responsible for all issues related to the environment, sustainable development and climate change.
Nobles Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Responsible for all issues related to the sustainable development, gender equality and health issues.
Nobles Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Responsible for legislation (Bills and Regulations) and ensuring that Bills do not conflict with the constitution or any existing Acts.
Noble’s Representative
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Responsible for issues related to international affairs, immigration and trade and defence of the country.
Nobles Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Responsible for matters regarding all members of Parliament and some inquiries relating to petitions.
Noble’s Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Responsible for the agenda and planning the annual parliamentary program.
Noble’s Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
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..
Nobles Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Noble’s Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
Noble’s Representatives
Cabinet Ministers
People’s Representatives
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-
Noble’s Representative
Lord Tu’iha’angana
Cabinet Minister
Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu
People’s Representative
Hon. Taniela Liku’ohihifo Fusimalohi
Noble’s Representative
Lord Nuku
Cabinet Minister
Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti
People’s Representative
Hon. Paula Piveni Piukala
Noble Representative
Lord Nuku
Cabinet Minister
Hon. Viliami Uasike Lātū
People’s Representative
Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu
For more information on the legislation of Tonga you can get it from the Legislation of Tonga website https://ago.gov.to/cms/
The principle of the “rule of law” is basically that no one is above the law. It requires that all arms of Government must exercise their powers in accordance with clear, well established rules and legal principles rather than rule by arbitrary decisions.
In pursuance of the principle of the “rule of law”, the prime function of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga is not only to make laws, but to ensure such laws are made clear and legitimate by their dispensation through the proper law-making processes.
There are two types of Bills that can be submitted to the Legislative Assembly, namely-
The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly receives and registers all Bills submitted for consideration by the Legislative Assembly. Where it is a Member’s Bill, the Clerk will seek the endorsement of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly then submits it to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Legislation for consideration before it is tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
When a Bill is tabled in the Legislative Assembly, it must be processed through the 1st reading before the member submitting the Bill can introduce it to the Assembly.
First Reading
Second Reading
Third Reading
Royal Assent
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