Tonga govt says 'urgent bills' not new legislation

Tonga govt says 'urgent bills' not new legislation

The bills, although deemed urgent by the government, have now been referred to the House Standing Committee on Legislation for review and consultation, which will delay their passage by at least two months.

This followed what the nobles-led opposition said was a failure to submit the measures for public comment.

But government spokesman Lopeti Senituli said the bills largely concerned the establishment of the Judicial Services Commission, which would handle key appointments.