A donation of computer equipment including laptops to the Tonga Parliament was announced by the Parliament of the State of Victoria in Australia, today as part of a coordinated effort with the United Nations Development Programme to assist Tonga in the wake of Cyclone Gita.

The President of Victoria’s Legislative Council Bruce Atkinson said in a statement today: “We are pleased to be able to offer this equipment to the Tongan Parliament in their time of need.”

“Last week we wrote to the Tongan Speaker to offer our sympathies to the Tongan people and to indicate that we are ready to assist the Parliament with any support they need.”

“The Tongan Parliament has accepted our offer of computer equipment so that its scheduled sittings in March can go ahead, which will be a very significant demonstration of the Tongan nation’s resilience.”

Tonga’s parliament is scheduled to take place at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre next Monday 5 March, three weeks since the destruction of parliament by Cyclone Gita.