Office of the Ombudsman celebrates two decades of service ^Featured

The booklet features the history of good governance in Tonga, the evolution of Ombudsmanship and a Sonnet of the Vicennial which was composed by the Rev. Dr. Tevita Mohenoa Puloka.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Guest of Honour Lord Fakafanua said, in the last two decades the Ombudsman has played an essential role in “providing access to justice, improving the standards of public administration, insuring fair and impartial treatment of all citizens.”

“This contributed significantly to the promotion of good governance, accountability and transparency to the oversight of government administration and service delivery.

“These milestones and achievements has served to bestow upon the Ombudsman growing recognition and ever greater legitimacy in the eyes of the public and all institutions alike. So much so that as of the 11th of August, 2021 the Ombudsman gained constitutional status.

“The Constitution of Tonga now recognises the Ombudsman as a Constitutional Appointment and enshrines in the Constitution the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman.”

According to Lord Fakafanua the Ombudsman Act which was passed in 2001 provides an avenue for citizens to complain about the actions of the government, its officers and agencies.

“It gives assurances to citizens that the government and its officers are subject to scrutiny.”

“To the government and public servants the Ombudsman acts as powerful reminder that they have an obligation to ensure that their actions are not inflicted with administrative error beyond legal authority, denied national justice or undermine public service values.”

He said that the success of the first two decades should serve as a powerful reminder of the important duties that has been given to the Ombudsman to lead the institution forward.

Ombudsman of Tonga Mr ‘Aisea Taumoepeau, SC said the Ombudsman is a young institution in Tonga.

“We, at the Ombudsman Office today salute the services given by those before us and we are greatly indebted to them. Today is a tribute to their service to King and country.”

“The Office of the Ombudsman in Tonga was founded in 2001 and was known at the time The Commissioner for Public Relations hence the celebration of its 20th anniversary today.”

He noted that the office has an obligation under law to provide an independent and impartial complaint service for the public but there are certain matters that the Ombudsman have no jurisdiction over.

“Matters related to the Privy Council, collective decisions of Cabinet, the judiciary, the Legislative Assembly, trustees, His Majesty Armed Forces, legal advice to the Crown provided by the Attorney General and the Solicitor General or Counsel to the Crown in relation to any court proceedings and any matter in which legislation provide an appeal or review process.”

New Zealand Chief Ombudsman Mr Peter Boshier recognised the importance of the theme and congratulated the office in establishing its sub-branch in Vava’u via Zoom.

“I want to particularly recognise the theme of your conference – Vaccinated, Victorious, Vicennial Good Governance. What a magnificent and well-thought-through theme.”

“I also want to congratulate you on your Office and your entry of Ombudsmanship into Vava’u in the way that you’re now doing it. So I bring you warm greetings from my office.”

A moment of silence was observed during the program to remember those who served as Commissioner for Public Relations but have passed on.

As part of the celebration, a VIVACE Music Concert will be held tonight at 7:00pm, Fa’onelua Convention Centre.

The office’s new sub-branch in Vava’u will be commissioned on Friday, August 20.

- MEIDECC