Tongan Speaker Lord Tuʻivakanō said the launch of Tonga’s new ombudsman office last week opened a new era to vulnerable members of the community whose voices were not heard.
Lord Tu’ivakanō was speaking to about a 100 guests who were at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel to celebrate the historical event on Wednesday.
The Ombudsman helped the community in its dealings with government agencies.
It handled complaints against government agencies and undertook investigations and inspections.
It also encouraged good administration by giving feedback and training to agencies.
The ombudsman could initiate its own investigations where it sees the need.
Tongaʻs ombudsman office was opened after the law was changed replacing the Commissioner for Public Relations with an Ombudsman in December 2016.
The Speaker, according to the law, has appointed Tongan law expert ‘Aisea Taumoepeau as Tonga’s first ombudsman.
Speaking at the ceremony Taumoepeau said: “The Ombudsman is not about politics, it is not about power, it is about efficient service and good governance making sure all Tongans are accorded fairness that the Rule of Law is maintained and for Tongans to live in harmony”.
Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni said the ombudsman officer helped ensure accountability of government officials on behalf of the government.
To be effective and credible in this role, the ombudsman must be independent of the government, Hon. Sovaleni said.
“I believe the office will serve to improve Government services for our people”, he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said government ministries and public enterprises should cooperate with these parliamentary officers as they were “there to help and make recommendation on how to improve their services”.
The Office of Ombudsman was first established in 2001, identified as the Commissioner for Public Relations before the law was changed.
