Results for Government

The Tonga government's decision to ratify UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was welcomed by Tongan women's rights advocate 'Ofa-Ki-Levuka Guttenbeil-Likiliki who was in New York for the announcement at the UN last night, where there were lots of accolades for Tonga.

Tonga's government has asked Tonga Power Ltd staff to call off a strike, planned from 9:00am on Monday 24 November.

The disgruntled Friendly Island Bus Association members are still not happy with the way Government rejected their request for Customs Duty and Consumption Tax exemptions.

Tonga's government has imposed new Duties on unhealthy foods along with higher Excise Tax Rates on tobacco products, and slashed tobacco concessions for arriving passengers by half, in an effort to encourage “healthy living”.

Consultations on Tonga's Employment Relations Bill 2013 have been extended to 31 May 2013, and a revised bill is expected to go to parliament in August.

On Tuesday, March 12, Parliament started off with a bang when the Speaker reminded Commoners in the House that they would start with the Land (Amendment) Bill 2013, but under Clause 67 of the Constitution only nobles could debate and vote on matters relating to the entitlement of nobles. The bill was one of three relating to constitutional change regarding penalties for nobles and civil servants who are convicted of an indictable offence. Under the existing law convicted people are disabled from holding government office, voting and being elected, and includes loss of noble titles. The proposed constitutional change applies the loss of rights to only people who are sentenced to more than two years imprisonment. From the House by Pesi Fonua.

A new tax regime for small businesses in Tonga, offering flat tax rates on turnovers of under $100,000, has been drawn up by government in a proposed amendment to Tonga's Income Tax Act 2007.

In a shock email sent from his iPad yesterday, Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister, Samiu Vaipulu, has told the Vava'u Business Chamber he would like to see their members' tax returns for the last five years, before he will talk about their serious concerns over the withdrawal of Chathams Pacific domestic airline service.

Two new Tongan stamps, one featuring the Prime Minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, and the other featuring Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, were released by Tonga Post on Friday, 12 October, World Post Day.