Gloria Pole'o - Clerk of the House
The Office of the Clerk in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga plays a crucial administrative and procedural role. Here's an overview:
Chief Administrative Officer: The Clerk of the Legislative Assembly is the chief administrative officer responsible for the day-to-day operations of the assembly. They oversee the staff, manage the assembly's budget, and ensure that administrative functions run smoothly.
Procedural Expertise: The Clerk is an expert in parliamentary procedure and provides advice to the Speaker, members of the assembly, and parliamentary committees on matters related to parliamentary rules, procedures, and practices.
Record-Keeping: The Office of the Clerk is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, including minutes of meetings, records of debates, and official documents such as bills and resolutions.
Custodian of Parliamentary Documents: The Clerk serves as the custodian of parliamentary documents and records, ensuring their safekeeping and accessibility to members of the assembly, government officials, and the public.
Preparation of Agendas and Reports: The Clerk is responsible for preparing the agenda for each sitting of the Legislative Assembly, in consultation with the Speaker and other relevant authorities. They also prepare reports, correspondence, and other documents as required.
Support for Committees: The Office of the Clerk provides support to parliamentary committees, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and assisting with research and analysis.
Constitutional and Legal Matters: The Clerk may provide advice on constitutional and legal matters related to the functions and powers of the Legislative Assembly, working closely with legal advisors and other experts as necessary.
Overall, the Office of the Clerk plays a vital role in supporting the effective functioning of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga by providing administrative, procedural, and logistical support to members and committees, as well as ensuring transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings.