Government of Tonga Public Service Commission

Brief History

The establishment of the Public Service Commission was one of the major initiatives achieved by Government under its current Economic and Public Sector Reform Programme. The relevant legislation that required the establishment of the Public Service Commission was the Public Service Act 2002.

Prior to the establishment of the Public Service Commission on 1 July 2003, the Establishment Division of the Prime Minister's Office administered the human resource system of the Public Service. The Division's main function was to advise the Prime Minister through the Civil Service Staff Board on all matters concerning human resources policies and management of the Tonga Public Service. More specifically, the matters of appointment, promotion and discipline of all employees in the Public Service were under the authority of the Prime Minister with the consent of Cabinet as stipulated in the Government Act.

On 1 July 2003, these human resource management functions were transferred from Cabinet to the Public Service Commission. Furthermore, all the staff and resources of the then Establishment Division of the Prime Minister's Office were transferred to the Office of the Public Service Commission.

Principal functions of the Public Service Commission

1. The principal functions of the Commission as stated in the Public Service Act, shall be to;
   • a) act as the advisor to Government on the management of the Public Service;
   • b) set the guiding principles for the management and performance of the Public Service;
   • c) set standards for performance and manage any performance management system for the Public Service;
   • d) appoint, promote, confirm, discipline and dismiss employees and resolve employment disputes;
   • e) monitor and report to Government on matters relating to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Service;
   • f) fix with the approval of Cabinet salaries, allowances and other financial benefits for employees;
   • g) making recommendations to Cabinet relating to the process of appointment and removal of Heads of Department;
   • h) ensure the management and internal controls of each Ministry are regularly reviewed and the relevant Head of Department;
   • i) assist Ministers in assessing the performance and reviews of Heads of Departments;
   • j) formulate, with the consent of Cabinet, a code of ethics and standards of behavior and conduct in the Public Service; and
   • k) undertake such other duties as may be directed by Cabinet.
2. The Commission shall implement the written policies of Government as directed by Cabinet;
3. The Commission may at anytime in respect of matters referred to in this section or on such matters as the Prime Minister may request:
   • a) carry out necessary inquiries, investigations or inspections; or
   • b) require and receive reports and provide advice to a Head of Department