By Katalina Siasau

The Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Whistleblower Protection Bill 2025, the first law of its kind in Tonga, designed to protect individuals who expose serious misconduct by public officials.

The Bill was tabled by the Minister for Justice, Hon. Mo'ale Finau, as one of the Cabinet’s urgent Bills.

The Bill was passed 16-0 votes with amendments.

It aims to encourage the reporting of illegal, unethical, or improper conduct by guaranteeing whistleblowers legal protection from retaliation. Such conduct may include corruption, fraud, abuse of authority, criminal offences, or other serious wrongdoing.

Under the Bill, “retaliation” is defined as any adverse action taken against a whistleblower because of their disclosure, including dismissal, demotion, suspension, harassment, or discrimination. Any act of retaliation will be considered an offence under the new law.

The definition of a “public official” in the Bill is broad, covering Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, judges, magistrates, Legislative Assembly staff, police officers, and any other individuals performing public functions or acting in an official capacity.

The Government says the law will promote transparency, accountability, and integrity across public institutions, while providing a safe channel for reporting misconduct without fear of reprisal.