Nanise Fifita has filed an application for judicial review against Government over her dismissal and termination of her renewed contract as CEO of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission on 1 May.

The Supreme Court office in Nuku’alofa confirmed today that the application was submitted on Wednesday, May 17.

It is understood the matter will be dealt with the Lord Chief Justice who at this stage has not made any direction or put down a date. TBC Board under the Minister for Public Enterprises Hon. Poasi Tei dismissed Nanise after finding that her contract renewal in April made with the board at the time to have been null and void.

The Minister stated he was not made aware of and had not consented to this contract renewal, and therefore declared this to be void under section 26(1) of the Public Enterprises Act 2002 (amended).

William Clive Edwards, representing the applicant, in a letter to the Minister on 1 May, said that his authority to approve the appointment is clear.

“The case in issue is that our client’s original contact contained a right of renewal that was approved by the Minister in 2013.”

The judicial review seeks the court's declaration that her dismissal was illegal.

Meanwhile, former TBC Board chairman Tapu Panuve has now been replaced by ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi.