Results for Parliament

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.

King Tupou VI hoped Government and Parliament will continue to work together to revive the local economy affected by the global financial crisis. He outlined projects undertaken by government in the hope of energizing economic development.

The 2013 session of the Tongan Legislative Assembly got off to a lively start on Thursday, 7 March, as members queried who had the right to call for this special and urgent session of the Tongan Parliament, and why? Lord Nuku expressed his astonishment over the fact that a special and urgent session of the Tongan Parliament was called for, while the leaders of the country, the King, the Prime Minister and the Speaker were all away overseas. From the House By Pesi Fonua.

Three nobles will 'softly' open a special sitting of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga on Thursday March 7 to deliberate on five bills submitted by Government.

A date for for the opening of the 2013 session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga has yet to be confirmed, the Acting Chief Clerk of the House Dr Sione Vikilani said today. But the Parliamentary Select Committee's consultation on six Bills that began in December last year in Tongatapu, will conclude in Vava'u next week.

A grant of RMB$500,000 was pledged to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga during an official Parliamentary visit to the People's Republic of China from October 28 to 3 November, when the MPs also learned about poverty alleviation initiatives and rural development in China's least-developed provinces

Public discussions on six bills will be held in Tongan villages, starting this week in various town centers throughout three island groups.

King Tupou VI reminded members of parliament to put aside their individual needs and political rivalries and to work together in the best interests of the country so that Tonga could make progress, in his statement for the closing of Parliament this morning, after a year of many challenges.

The 2012 session of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga will be closed tomorrow morning, Thursday October 18, by the Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and two other nobles.