Tonga remains without a designated Minister of Police, and a Minister of Agriculture, following the resignation of three Cabinet Ministers on June 25 and the reshuffling of portfolios under new line ministries.

The Acting Secretary to Cabinet, Alfred Soakai confirmed that after the resignations of the former ministers, 'Uliti Uata (Health), Sunia Fili (Police) and 'Isilelil Pulu (Labour, Commerce and Industries), their portfolios had automatically come under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister.

Limited choice          

The Prime Minister may appoint new ministers from some of the remaining members of parliament, but it is clear that the selection is difficult because of the very few friendly members of parliament left to choose from. Four who are available are Lord Tu'ilakepa, Lord Tu'iha'ateiho, Lord Fakafanua and Lord Fusitu'a.

Last Thursday, June 5, the Deputy Speaker and a Nobles Representative for Vava'u, Lord Tu'i'afitu was sworn in as the new Minister of Health.

A Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister signed by 10 People's Representatives and filed with the Tongan Legislative Assembly on June 18 has polarized the Tongan parliament. It appears that the motion has split the House in half, with 13 People's Representatives in support of the motion that will topple the government, while opposing the move are 12 MPs including eight Nobles Representatives and four People's Representatives (the three Vava'u PRs and the Niuas PR). Presumably, it could have been a draw 13-13 if the Speaker Lord Lasike was eligible to vote, and he might be expected to join his noble colleagues. However, the Speaker can make only a casting vote in case of a draw.

To get his Cabinet to work the Prime Minister can nominate two more non-elected Cabinet Ministers, but under the Constitution they cannot vote on a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence.

The situation appears to be a game with very small numbers and without much substance because of the concept of a minority government governing by consensus that parliament embraced in 2010.

New Ministries

After the passing of the budget Tonga's new line of Ministries have come into place as of July 6:

1. The Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade – Lord Tu'ivakano

2. Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Infrastructure – Hon. Samiu Kuita Vaipulu

3. Minister for Lands, Environment, Climate Change and Natural resources – Lord Ma'afu

4. Minister for Internal Affairs – Lord Vaea

5. Minister for Revenue Services – Hon Sosefo Fe'aomoeata Vakata

6. Minister for Commerce, Tourism and Labour – Hon. Dr Viliami Uasike Latu

7. Minister for Finance & National Planning – Hon. Lisiate 'Aloveita 'Akolo

8. Minister for Justice and Public Enterprises – Hon. William Clive Edwards

9. Minister for Education and Training –Hon. Dr 'Ana Maui Taufe'ulungaki

10. Minister for Health – Lord Tu'i'afitu.

The total government recurrent expenditure of $225,997,886

for 2012-13 released by the Ministry of Finance following the declaration of the Appropriation Act 2012 on July 5 amounted to:

1. Palace Office - $5,393,477

2. Legislative Assembly - $4,249,600

3. Audit Office - $1,196,629

 4. Commissioner of Public Relations - $165,520

5. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade - $7,984,465

6. Tonga Defence Services - $8,639,000

7. Prime Minister's Office - $2,583,876

8. Ministry of Finance and National Planning - $56,602,747

9. Ministry of Revenue Services - $4,160,300

10. Ministry of Public Enterprises - $4,170,000

11. Ministry of Commerce, Tourism and Labour - $12,456,444

12. Ministry of Justice - $3,139,472

13. Attorney General's Office - $1,405,000

14. Ministry of Police, Prisons and Fire Services - $14,348,001

15.Ministry of Health – 427,869,885

16. Ministry of Education and Training - $46,699,654

17. Ministry of Internal Affairs - $4,991,717

18. Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries $8,095,015

19. Ministry of Infrastructure - $6,269,420

20.Ministry of Lands, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources - $4,382,327

21. Public Service Commission $1,195,337.