Minister's group to set up Anti Corruption Commission [1]
Monday, April 14, 2008 - 23:31. Updated on Friday, May 9, 2014 - 22:48.
Tonga's Attorney General and Minister of Justice today announced the formation of a new Joint Working Group to accelerate the establishment of an independent Office of the Anti Corruption Commissioner.
Hon 'Alisi Taumopeau said the members comprise of government and community members which include the Solicitor General Linda Folaumoetu'i, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Tonga, the Secretary of Finance, Rev Semisi Fonua, Dr 'Ana Taufe'ulungaki, and Drew Havea.
The primary responsibility of the Joint Working Committee who had its first meeting on Friday, April 11 is to direct pre-establishment activities required to mobilise the new organization.
"I am happy to announce the Working Group approved a Plan of Action to accelerate the process of establishment. This includes resourcing of the new organization, personnel requirements, the administration of the commission and a communication strategy", she said.
The Minister also said the Anti Corruption Commission was established last August with the enactment of the new Anti Corruption Commission Act 2007.
An office has been set up at the Ministry of Justice with temporary staff members but the advertising of a position of commissioner was closed last week with the Judicial Services to make the appointment.
The establishment of the Commission is co-funded by the Australian Government and under the Commission Act it will have extensive power, "to investigate suspected corruption, and prosecute civil servants of wrong doing."
The Act also details the functions of the commission, as well as the nature of corrupt conduct in relation to a Minister of the Crown, a government official and a member of the Legislative Assembly.