The Tonga Parliament, during its budgetary debate on 24 June increased the domestic travel allowances of the Speaker, Members of Parliament and the staff by an unspecified amount.

A note from Lisiate 'Akolo, chairman of the House's Standing Committee on Finance, informed the House that the increase was to match the travel allowances of the civil servants.

The previous travel allowance of members and staff of the House covered only their accommodation.

The new travel allowance for the House will “include all essential expenses needed to enable the Speaker, Members and the staff to carry out their duties while traveling”.

On top of all these expenses the House also agreed for an additional 10% because of their status as members and staff of the Tonga Legislative Assembly.

National tour

The annual national constituencies tour by members of parliament runs from 7-18 July.

Most members of parliament are also expected to be in Vava'u for the King's birthday celebration on 4 July.

This annual tour, by Members of Parliament is an opportunity for People's Representatives to talk with their electorate and to make plans on how spend their individual $200,000 annual constituency allocations.

The PRs state-funded national tour has been criticised by the public as unfair election campaigning by elected members of parliament, leading up to the coming November election.