Results for Government

Tonga's Ombudsman gained Constitutional status this month, two decades after the first moves were made to establish accountability and good governance within government through a public complaints process. The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday celebrated the 20th anniversary of Tonga’s journey to establish their office. By Pesi Fonua.

Tonga's Common Utilities Board accepted the resignation of board member John Paul Chapman, effective from the end of June, “with no cause or allegations against him or vice versa”, the Prime Minister's Office announced yesterday.

A public holiday will be observed on Monday, June 7, to commemorate Emancipation Day, when Tonga’s first Christian King, Siaosi Tupou I officially abolished serfdom in Tonga in 1862.

Rosamond Carter Bing has been re-appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, for four-years.

Income tax cuts for individuals and sole traders from July 1 means all income taxpayers in Tonga will pay less. The tax-free income level will be raised from the first $10,000 to the first $12,000 pa'anga earned in the new financial year, with further adjustments in tax thresholds easing higher income tax levels.

Tonga’s Public Health Emergency has been renewed to prevent or minimize the spread of COVID-19 within Tonga, starting from 8:00pm today until 8:00pm 7 June.

A government department at a workshop with journalists yesterday, has requested to partner with the media to promote government messages. The department seems to be faced with the challenge of not getting their key messages across to the public.

The best countries on the 2020 Corruption Perception Index are New Zealand and Denmark with scores of 88. However, two thirds of countries scored below 50/100 and public sector corruption was deadlier than ever during the pandemic. “The results make one thing clear – corruption kills people,” stated Transparency International this week in releasing their report.

A reshuffle in the Tongan Cabinet, was approved today by HM King Tupou VI, with the appointment of a new Minister of Justice and Prisons, and a new Minister of Trade and Economic Development.