Revised Employment Relations Bill 2013 set for August
Consultations on Tonga’s Employment Relations Bill 2013 have been extended to 31 May 2013, and a revised bill is expected to go to parliament in August.
Government
Discussions continue on Tonga's Employment Relations Bill
A draft Employment Relations Bill 2013 is being discussed in Nuku’alofa introduced by a Government convinced that there are important provisions that need to be legislated soon to safeguard fundamental rights. Some business owners questioned how fair the bill will be for those involved, its costs and impact on businesses who are already struggling in a weak economy, while others supported it. By Linny Folau
Convicted nobles and civil servants get better deal under Constitutional change passed by House
On Tuesday, March 12, Parliament started off with a bang when the Speaker reminded Commoners in the House that they would start with the Land (Amendment) Bill 2013, but under Clause 67 of the Constitution only nobles could debate and vote on matters relating to the entitlement of nobles. The bill was one of three relating to constitutional change regarding penalties for nobles and civil servants who are convicted of an indictable offence. Under the existing law convicted people are disabled from holding government office, voting and being elected, and includes loss of noble titles. The proposed constitutional change applies the loss of rights to only people who are sentenced to more than two years imprisonment. From the House by Pesi Fonua.
PSA campaigns for a fitter, healthier public service
Tonga’s pubic servants have launched a year-long programme to combat non-communicable diseases and to create healthier workplaces in an effort to “build a healthier quality public service for Tonga”.
New Income Tax Bill offers flat tax rates to small businesses
A new tax regime for small businesses in Tonga, offering flat tax rates on turnovers of under $100,000, has been drawn up by government in a proposed amendment to Tonga’s Income Tax Act 2007.
Tax threat for Vava'u people who warn loss of air service will be economic disaster
In a shock email sent from his iPad yesterday, Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister, Samiu Vaipulu, has told the Vava’u Business Chamber he would like to see their members’ tax returns for the last five years, before he will talk about their serious concerns over the withdrawal of Chathams Pacific domestic airline service.
Tonga adopts Catastrophic Risk Insurance Program
Tonga is among five Pacific nations to adopt a Pilot Catastrophe Risk Insurance Program that was launched in Sydney, Australia on 18 January.
Nukunuku awaits a dusty Christmas
Christmas is just around the corner. But, I bet the festive spirit in Nukunuku, will be … gloomy I think. Dust, is now the order of our days twenty-four-seven for two months running…houses, drinking water and from new born to the elderly have their dose of dust every day. When will the road work complete? It left us to wonder what went wrong? Whether there was adequate funding for the project?- Witcliffe TM.
Tonga's new stamps feature QEII and Lord Tu'ivakano
Two new Tongan stamps, one featuring the Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano, and the other featuring Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, were released by Tonga Post on Friday, 12 October, World Post Day.
Speaker calls for urgent special meeting after messy debate on VNC motion
After a messy debate over a tangled web of confusion surrounding a Motion for Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister, Tonga’s Speaker closed today’s session by calling for an urgent special meeting with some of the key members involved. “I am not happy with where we have got to with the proceedings of the House,” Lord Fakafanua said. From the House by Pesi Fonua.
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