31 Jan 2011

Tonga's new MPs get leadership and parliamentary training

11:24 am on 31 January 2011

Tonga's new MPs are being given training this week in parliamentary processes and procedures.

Last year's political reforms not only allowed for more MPs to be elected by the people but also changed the way the Legislative Assembly will operate.

To ensure the MPs are fully up to speed with the changes a Parliamentary Awareness and Leadership workshop is being run this week.

The clerk of parliament, Sione Tekiteki, says they'll look at the reforms, changes to standing orders, the role of committees, the MPs new obligations to their constituents and their relationship with the media.

He says they have brought in experts from overseas for the five day exercise.

"We have managed to secure facilitators from both Australia and New Zealand. As a matter of fact, Debbie Angus, the deputy clerk of the New Zealand Parliament has very kindly agreed to come and assist with some of the presentations."