Tonga’s challenge is to respond to needs of ordinary citizens [1]
Monday, April 29, 2013 - 18:13. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr Brett Aldam; Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Lisiate ‘Akolo, and the UNDP’s resident representative, Knut Ostby
A new donor-funded programme aims to develop the skills of parliamentarians in order to improve law-making processes in Tonga and to strengthen the ability of the government to build democracy.
The Tongan Government signed an agreement with Australia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support governance and promote democracy in Tonga.
The AUD $3.8 million programme funded by AusAid aims to develop the skills of parliamentarians in order to improve law-making processes in Tonga and to strengthen the ability of the Government to manage free and fair elections.
The Minister of Finance and National Planning, Hon. Lisiate ‘Akolo, thanked both the Australian Government and the UNDP for their efforts and continuous support provided to Tonga.
“It is not only very timely, with the upcoming elections of 2014, but also very important to strengthen processes to ensure mutual accountability is observed, which can be achieved through awareness and understanding.”
The UNDP’s resident representative, Knut Ostby, thanked Australia for its on-going support and commended the Tongan Government for its commitment to strengthening its democratic governance institutions.
“More countries than ever are working to strengthen democratic governance. Tonga is no exception. Just like other countries working to build democracy, Tonga’s challenge is to develop institutions and processes that are responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens and that promote sustainable human development”
The Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr Brett Aldam, said the programme builds on previous support provided by Australia for Tonga’s political reform process.
“This program will focus on the role of governance and parliamentary processes in the promoting sustainable development. Australia is very pleased to be working with the UNDP and the Government of Tonga in support of Tonga’s development goals,”
The development programme is one of many that Australia has been actively funding. Last week Australia gave the Tonga Government $8.7 Million Pa’anga to support salaries in health and education sectors.