Members of Parliament will take part in an induction program from 27 February to 1 March, to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the Legislature and their duties.

Hosted by the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, the program will also inform them of Parliament’s oversight role on the Executive.   

This is the first part of the MPs induction program, with the second one planned for 21-23 March, according to the Legislative Assembly's calendar.

The induction program will be led by the Lord Speaker Fakfanua, with the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of Parliament and other Heads of Departments. Experts have been invited to conduct presentations on various issues related to Parliament.  

In addition, MPs will also be briefed on the legislative process (Government Bills and Private Bills), public consultation and public engagement, parliamentary debates and petitions. The program will cover Motions and the overview of Tonga’s parliamentary system and governance framework, parliamentary democracy, parliamentary privilege and the overview of the Rules of Procedures and Standing Orders.

The MPs will learn about their entitlements, parliamentary services provided to them, representation and constituency offices, Standing and Select committee,s among other issues.  

A session will also be provided on donor forums and the budget process, and scrutiny of the Executive in terms of budget, annual reports, audit reports and questions to Minister, stated the Legislative Assembly.