From the House by Pesi Fonua

The Speaker announced that the House’s meeting on 9 February 2023 was their last meeting for the week, according to the published minutes.

He might have been inferring that it was the House’s final meeting for 2022, because the House’s 2022 session had not been closed, and there have been no minutes published since then.

So the House’s Agenda for the last day they sat, started with the appointment of a Interim Ombudsman.

An Ombudsman is officially elected by the House and the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua had proposed ‘Alisi Numea Taumoepeau KC, (the current Chief Executive Officer for the Office of the Ombudsman), to become the Acting Ombudsman from 18 February to 30 June 2023.

The Ombudsman, her husband, ‘Aisea Havea Taumoepeau, was retiring on 18 February 2023.

According to the Speaker, ‘Alisi Taumoepeau KC has 40 years experience in the legal profession. Before becoming the CEO for the Ombudsman, she had been working for government for 26 years as a legal counsellor, an acting Supreme Court judge, an Attorney General and a Minister of Justice for Tonga.

The Speaker left the floor open for any of the members of the House who wanted to comment on the proposal.

Piveni Piukala, the Tongatapu No. 7 People’s Representative told the House that he had received a report that morning relating to the sinking of the Ferry Ashika.

He told the House there were many reasons for why the ferry sank in July 2009 in Ha'apai, but he gave two. He believed that firstly, the accident could have been easily avoided, and secondly, that it was shameful to allow such an accident to happen. [74 lives were lost].

Dr Viliami Latu, the Minister for Trade and Development, - pointed out that the report the member was referring to was Piveni's own report. Dr Latu was concerned that the member was raising an issue about someone who was not in the House.

Lord Nuku – reminded Piveni that if he was against the appointment of ‘Alisi Numea Taumoepeau as the Acting Ombudsman, he has the right not to vote for her.

Piveni Piukala – reminded the House that according to the report, the proposed Acting Ombudsman was the chairperson that approved the decision to buy the Ferry Ashika.

Lord Nuku – said that it was not fair to talk about this person in public when she was not in the House.

Told to sit down

After about an hour of talking over this report about the Ashika disaster, (that Piveni had seen, but other members of the House had not seen), the Speaker finally told Piveni to sit down.

The Speaker reminded members that they have to follow the Rules of Proceeding of the House, which guide the proceeding of the House, and that is why, a report that is introduced into the House, initially has to be distributed for all members to read.

“But this morning the report that Piveni Piukala was talking about has not been distributed in the House, and there are misunderstandings over what you had introduced into the House.”

After a tea break, the House was back in session but the Minister for Internal Affairs, Lord Vaea, wanted to say something.

Lord Vaea stressed how he was very impressed when he discovered that a woman was appointed for this position of Ombudsman.

However, he said it was very depressing that morning to hear how the image of a woman was abused and lowered. “But you the Speaker and the House allowed this to happen in front of the public. I am pleading with you to maintain our cooperative spirit, specifically with our women and their respectability.”

The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu‘akavameiliku informed the House that the former CEO for the Ombudsman was now the Attorney General. He said that the government had no doubt over the selection of the new Acting Ombudsman.

The Speaker called for votes in favour of the nominated interim Ombudsman. Twenty voted in favour and only one, Piveni Piukala, voted against the selection.

‘Alisi Numia Taumoepeau came into the House to take her oath, then she thanked the members of the House.

Regulations passed

The House then proceeded on to No. 5 of their Working Agenda, a report from the Chairman of the Whole House Committee, the Tongatapu No. 1 People’s Representative, Hon. Tevita Puloka.

Regulations that were passed before the House close on Thursday, February 9.

1. Regulation No. ½023 – To terminate the regulation concerning COVID-19 2022. It was passed with amendment.
2. Regulation No.7 - 2023 – an amendment to Excise Duty 2022. It was passed with amendment.
3. Regulation No.2 – 2023 – an amendment to a regulation on Revenue Collection, the using of Cash Registration 2022. It was passed with amendment.

The Regulations were then presented for second and third reading in Legislature.

On the Second Reading of Regulation No. 1 2023- it was carried 21-0.

On its third reading it was carried with 20-0.

On the Second Reading of Regulation No. 7 2023 – it was carried 18-2. Against were Lord Nuku and Piveni Piukala.

On its third reading it was carried 18-2. Against were Lord Nuku and Piveni Piukala.

On the Second reading of Regulation No. 2 2023 – It was carried 15-6. Against were ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, Mateni Tapueluelu, ‘Aisake Eke, Piveni Piukala, Lord Nuku, Lord Tu‘ivakano.

Question time and Third Thursday

After lunch the Speaker explained how a member could ask questions in the House verbally. The Member does not have to write and ask the question.

He pointed out that under Clause 106 of Tonga's rules of proceeding – (tu‘utu‘uni fika 104) on the third week of every month, the Speaker may allow members to ask questions verbally, and for answers to be made at the time.

And, even though today was not the third Thursday of February, the Speaker would allow members to ask questions verbally, and for the Speaker to respond immediately.

“Today is not the third Thursday of the month but it is our final day in session.”

Question time:

1 - Mateni Tapueluelu – asked: Have the overtime salaries of civil servants, particularly the Ministry of Health been paid? Particularly, with the Ministry of Health, these were overtime payments for over 40 hours, during November, December and January. If they have not received their pay, why is the hold up?

Minster of Health – responded: The overtime hours of work that they have received have been paid. But I will check on the overtime hours of work that we have not received.

2 - Vaea Taione – asked: When will the Fanga’uta Bridge will be built, because people are eager to build up small businesses on the roadside?

The Minister for Infrastructure - explained that the bidding for the construction of the bridge would be closed at the end of March. Then the construction would start on July.

3 - Piveni Piukala – asked a question of the PM: Has His Majesty endorsed the appointment of the Minister for Internal Affairs and the Minister of Finance?

Prime Minister – responded: it is already on the record of the House that these two Ministers have been sworn in. They  have been also sworn in to Cabinet.

4. Piveni Piukala – asked: why had the Chairman of the Whole House Committee been absent for a long time from the House?

The Speaker – informed the House that he had received a letter, requesting for absence from the House.

5. Mateni Tapueluelu – wanted know if the Cabinet’s Manual had been redrafted and included an upgrade, stating if a Cabinet Minister is a shareholder of a business.

Prime Minister – confirmed that the Cabinet has a Cabinet Manual and it has to be continuously reviewed and updated. He said he would check, then report back.

6. Lord Nuku –asked: why does the cost of electricity continue to go up? Taking into account that the price of electricity was supposed to drop because of the number of Solar Power companies that had been established in Tonga. He pointed out that before more solar power had moved into the country, the price of electricity was about 70 seniti, now the price now is more than $1. What is the plan for the future?

Prime Minister – responded: As I had stated before, only about 20% of our electricity supply is from Solar Power, and the rest is from diesel generators. So we are still depending on fuel for our electricity supply. As I had mentioned before we urgently need to speed up the process that by 2025 our reliance on solar power will be over 70%. This will be good for the environment but it will also reduce the price of electricity.

7. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi – “My question to the PM, who is also responsible for Education. Relating to the National University, it is known that Divisions of the Ministry of Education, the School of Nursing and the Police and their staff will be transferred to the University. I want to know if these people have resigned from government and have signed a Working Contract with the university, where are they receiving their salaries from at the moment? If they are receiving salaries from the University, then government must have save a lot of money because it has been budgeted until June this year.”

Prime Minister – explained that at the moment about 90 Civil Servants had completed their redundancy from their government employment then they would move on to sign a working contract with the National University, so they had left the Ministry of Education.

He reminded the House that within the National Budget the House had passed recently $1.9m to assist the University during its transition to operate independently.

Institutions such as Fokololo ‘a e Hau and the Teacher’s Training Institute will also become a part of the National University.

“My short response to the question is that they leave their government employment service, to work for the National University.”

8. ‘Aisake Eke – asked a number of questions:

(1)    For the Prime Minister – there was a National Committee to lead a project to counter Illegal Drug, and $7 million was allocated for this project. “But my question to the Minister of Police and the PM, where have we got to with this project? How much money has been allocated? What work has been done?”

The answer was that out of the $7million, $5m had been committed and $1m had been allocated to a number of other projects, such as for a drone and to improve their working equipment.

9. Mo’ale Finau – asked: with regards to the wharf of ‘Uiha, and its foundation which has been laid, is there a chance for it to be completed?

10. Veivosa Taka – reminded the Minister for Infrastructure that they were waiting in Ha’apai to complete a major road works but they wre still waiting for two containers of tar-seal.

Hon. Sevenitini – responded: All the roadwork throughout Tonga included tar sealing. The road program for Ha’apai that runs from Hihifo to Faleloa and Sandy Beach- at the moment I have not confirm when it will be completed.

11. Dulcie Tei – [The only female member of Parliament, and the Tongatapu No. 6 People Representative] thanked the Minister for Infrastructure for the inclusion of roads at Tongatapu No. 6 Constituency in the Road Construction Program, because it was very difficult for children to travel to schools.

She questioned the Minister For Internal Affairs, relating to Tongans families whose family earnings are from Tongans who have left the country to go fruit picking overseas. She expressed her concern about problems within their families. She wanted to know if the whole family, husband and wife should both go on this fruit-picking program. It woul be a solution to family problems.

Lord Vaea – The Minister for Internal Affairs appreciated the concern of Dulcie, and said that Samoa had stopped their fruit picking program. “However, Tonga is trying to solve the problem by setting up a table in their office, where the proposed fruit pickers are given a Bible and a Hymn book, and remind them to remember why they are going fruit picking. ”

He also said that he would not like to propose to the Cabinet to reduce the number of Tongan fruit pickers.

However, meanwhile they are in the process of extending their office and the car parking area, making it possible for more intense consultation with proposed fruit pickers before they leave on their journey to Australia and New Zealand.

Dulcie Tei- Thanked the Minister of his comprehensive response.

12. Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi - Firstly, wanted to confirm the clarification of students to enter the new National University, specifically those from the Fokololo ‘a e Hau and the ‘Apiako ‘Alutahi, where Form 5, 4 and 3 can enter. “When these institutions will be attached to the university will these students be allowed to enter the University?”

Secondly, his next question to the Minister for Infrastructure, after a road has been dug across to fix a water pipe or a telephone line. Who is responsible to confirm that the road is repaired back to what it was before the road was dug up?

The Prime Minister – responded that at university there would be Faculties or Schools. The Teacher’s Training will become the School of Education. There are also institutions with criteria that one must attain before one can enter that institution.

“So each of these schools will set their entrance needs. I am pleased that the member raised these issues to be clarified.”

The PM stressed the importance for members to raise issues to how we can contribute to building up this university for those who can’t afford to attend university overseas.

13. Lord Nuku – asked about the Government financial assistance to the movement of people following the Tsunami. It include the shifting of people from Mango to ‘Eua and from ‘Atata to Masilamea. “Is there a government assistance program for these people?”

PM – responded: the government assistance to these people, included giving them fishing boats to go fishing. The government intention was for them not to entirely rely of government for their living. They were given fishing boats to go fishing, and to grow their own food crops.

Lord Tu‘i‘fitu – pointed out that there was no demand that they had to leave. No! There was no demand from a landowner for the people to move from one place to another, it was just a decision by the people who were affected by the eruption.

“With regards to a resettlement, when government and my Ministry (Ministry of Land and Natural Resources) will complete their assessment of their home (place), or they move and resettle in a new place according to the land owner with the advice of government.”

14. Lord Nuku – thanked government for the response to his query, “It is very clear. What I gather for the response that there is no special response from Government.”

Lord Vaea – responded that there is an assessment visit to places in Tongatapu where these people have been resettled to assess the situation that they are in, and the kind of assistance that they needed, more urgent now, with the beginning of the school year. Under this program they will find out those who are in desperate need. Their names will be recorded and their health situation will be confirmed.

15. Tevita Puloka – asked the Minister for Infrastructure and Government, if there is a plan to separate the Building Control sector from the Ministry for Infrastructure.

“My second question, the new Parliament Building, has it been confirmed where it is going to be built, and when are we going to move there?”

The Minister for Infrastructure – responded that “this is a very important question, and I think it should remain with the ministry because it is a technical sector it has a direct involvement with the building of the country. It is the only sector that offers this kind of service.”

PM – “I think this question should be for the Speaker.”

Speaker – responded that there is a place where the new parliament will be built at a land, the properties of the government and a Noble that is currently being assessed. It should be confirmed by the end of this month.

16. Mateni Tapueluelu – questioned the Minister for Internal Affairs.

“Who looks after the roadsides, and the roadsides of government properties. “There are complaints from the people at Fangaloto. There are bamboo stands that bend over from both sides of the roads. It enables thieves to attack vehicles at night, and is causing a lot of problems for the Community Police. Who is responsible to this?”

Lord Vaea (the Minister for Internal Affairs) – responded there had been a lot of rain during the past 6 months, and there was work for the Ministry to do, and the Ministry would do the job, but they had to be informed.

17. ‘Aisake Eke –had four questions. 

Firstly, for the Minister of Justice – “there was a case relating to the Election, then I noticed there was a leaking on the roof, I also noticed a rat kept running across the office. My question to the Minister for Infrastructure: what is the situation with the office of the Minister of Justice?”

For the Ministry of Infrastructure: “what is the current situation of the new houses for the people of Kanokupolu at Matatoa to move into?”

Even though there are still houses standing at ‘Atata and Kanokupolu, but the people have moved away. What is the solution for this situation?

Minister for Justice – responded that the member was right, the court building is in a very bad situation and they are working to deal with the problem. On Tuesday he met the Australian High Commissioner for the building of new Supreme Court House, “all is left at the moment is to confirm the land site. I also informed the High Commissioner that I also had approached the Chinese, so who ever will come first will build the new Court House, which will also include an Anti-corruption Office and an Office for the Attorney General.

The Minister for Infrastructure – responded that the building of 54 houses at Matatoa for the people of Kanokupolu to move into had been approved. There will also be financial assistance between $1,500 and $12,000 and the owners to repair their own houses.

There were also houses at ‘Atata that were affected by the tsunami, but those whose houses were damaged were moved to ‘Atata si’i at Masilamea.

18. Piveni Piukala – asked if it was true that there was an advice from the Crown Law on 6 July 2022 relating to the Pilot in Command who had infringed the Non Compliance Sea. What had the Civil Aviation or the Lulutai has done about it?

PM – remembered that Legal Advice is Confidential between the Attorney General and the person that he gave the information to. “But I will check with the Attorney General if it is legally correct for me to talk about the advice that he gave me.”

The Speaker – reminded the PM that according to the Regulation of the House it is not allowed for the House to seek legal advice from a Minister. The question is if it was true that there was a legal advice or not?

19. Veivosa Taka – pointed out that there are relatives of his who went fruit picking in Australia, and over-stayed. But to return, the Australians wanted a permission from Tonga.

Secondly, some who went fruit picking had got Palangi partners, they wanted to change their nationalities, but there is a demand for police records, but it is difficult because the Tongan police want a “Hand ID”.

So the request is if the “Hand ID” is disregarded so that they can get their National ID?

20. ‘Aisake Eke – said that two Hihifo people who used to grow crops at ‘Atata Si’i are seeking repayment for their crops on the piece of land. They had been waiting since August.

Minister of Land – responded: this should not be brought into the House. “They are seeking $70,000, but their kava garden is probably worth $300.”

21. Piveni Piukala – Does the PM still have his monthly meeting with HM?

PM – responded: “We follow the Constitution.”

The Speaker – said ‘Let’ss change to Whole House Committee.”

Chairman – told the House that he had a Lali, given to him by Vaea. When he hits the lali “you stop talking.”

Speaker – briefed the House on the Ombudsmen’s 2021-2022 report.
161 cases that were investigated.
110 cases were closed.

1. The House closed, until further notice, on Thursday, 9 February.