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The objectives of Freedom of Information policy and legislation

The Government Information Disclosure Policy will guide officials, as well as the media, civil society and the public, providing a clear framework and process for accessing and disseminating information.

The Policy will also guide initial government efforts to implement a strong and sustainable information management system across the public service.

Secrecy has been the norm of government information practice over the centuries, particularly in traditional monarchies. The Kingdom of Tonga is embarking on a new path of more transparent and accountable government. With this in mind the FOI Steering Committee, who guided the development of this Policy, has advised that the policy should be designed to ensure information held by the government is readily available to the public with only few exceptions.

It is envisaged that the policy will lay the groundwork for enacting a comprehensive Freedom of Information Act in the future.

For more information please see:

• Purpose
• Policy Statement
• Three Forms of Access
• Scope of Application of Policy
• Relationship to the Constitution of Tonga and Other legislation
• Jurisdiction of tribunals, courts and inquiries