6 January, 2012. Government chief executives met late last month with the Working Group on Government Structural Reform (WGGSR) to discuss in detail the implementation of the restructuring of government ministries that will begin this month.
WGGSR Chairperson, Mishka Tu'ifua briefed assembled executives confirming the proposed government structure of 13 ministries set out below:
1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
2. Prime Minister's Office
3. Ministry of Finance, National Planning & Revenue Services
4. Ministry of Public Enterprises
5. Ministry of Internal Affairs
6. Ministry of Justice
7. Ministry of Police, Prisons & Fire Services
8. Ministry of Health
9. Ministry of Education & Training
10. Ministry of Commerce & Tourism
11. Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forests & Fisheries
12. Ministry of Infrastructure
13. Ministry of Lands, Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resources
Agencies reporting to a Minister
1. Tonga Defence Services
2. Public Service Commission
3. National Bureau of Statistics
Other Agencies (independent)
1. Legislative Assembly
2. Palace Office
3. Lord Chancellor's Office
4. Attorney General's Office
5. Audit Office
6. Commissioner for Public Relations
In anticipation of the work, senior executives attended an intensive corporate plan workshop last month. Ministries undergoing the most change have begun consultation amongst themselves to facilitate the separation and merging of divisions.
Mishka Tu'ifua stated that it was clear from the onset that the challenging issues would be the transition from the present structure to the new one, change management and keeping public servants and stakeholders well informed of the process.
In January 2012 corporate plans for the FY 2012 - 2013 will be drafted. Ministries will be consulted to confirm the required legislative changes. By the end of February individual structures and human resource requirements addressed. By the end of March the first budget and legislative drafts will be completed. At the same time redeployment of staff, where necessary, will be completed.
By April 2012 corporate plans, budgets and legislative changes are expected to be completed, considered by Cabinet and endorsed. Finally the 2012/2013 Budget and Bills setting out the legislative changes required for a streamlined public service will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly for approval.
According to Mishka Tu'ifua, "We anticipate that the real challenge will be the detailed work at the operational level after the new structure has bedded in, where we will be striving to transform the public service into a more efficient, cost effective and responsive organization. Most importantly there needs to be a mindset change".
To assist and work closely with the new ministries a Taskforce has been created comprising of the Secretary for the Public Service Commission, Dr Palenitina Langa'oi, Secretary for Finance, Tiofilusi Tiueti and Solicitor General, ‘Aminiasi Kefu. The Taskforce will help to facilitate the transition to the new structure with specific emphasis on planning, human resources, budgeting, legal issues and implementation.
In addition Ministries and the public will be informed and kept abreast of the proposed changes and any expected disruptions. Commencing this month, the Taskforce will undertake further consultations with public servants in line Ministries. For other stakeholders, communication on the restructure exercise will primarily be through press releases, and other forums as may be required.
ENDS
Issued by: Prime Minister's Office, Government of the Kingdom of Tonga, P.O. Box 62, Nuku'alofa.
Telephone: (676) 24 644 Fax: (676) 23 888 Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
