Complaints
Accepted Complaints
The Ombudsman accepts complaints on any administrative action (decision, recommendation, act or omission) by any Ministry, Department, Agency or Organisation that affects any person. Complaints must first be made to relevant authority and if the person is not satisfied with the response or lack of – they may complain to the Ombudsman.
If there is an appeals process provided by law relating to the complaint – the Ombudsman cannot accept the complaint.
A complaint can be lodged through email, free call number, letter, or by clicking here.
Once received, it is assessed and the Ombudsman decides whether the matter warrants a full investigation. Usually all complaints are referred for a response however some complaints are outside the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
Timeline of Complaints
Timeline of investigations can take days up to months depending on the complexity of the complaint. Some are resolved quickly, while others take longer and may include an formal inquiry under oath.
For these types of complaints, reports and recommendations are sent to the authority complained of for their comments before being finalised and distributed. Recommendations may include a requirement for the authority to report back within a specific time implementing the recommendations. If the authority does not implement the report, the Ombudsman may send the report to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly who will then table it before the Legislative Assembly.
You may complain against any of these authorities:
Ministries, Departments, Agencies except Cabinet, Privy Council, Legislative Assembly and the Judiciary
Tonga Communications Corporation
Tonga Post and Fast Print Limited
Tonga Export Quality Management Limited
Friendly Islands Shipping Agency
Tonga Development Bank
Waste Authority Limited
Tonga Broadcasting Commission
Tonga Water Board
Tonga Market Corporation Limited
Tonga Assets Managers & Associates Limited
Tonga Power Limited
Ports Authority Tonga
Tonga Airports Limited
Tonga Cable Limited
Retirement Fund Board
Tonga Tourism Authority
A Community Water Supply Committee
under the Public Health Act or Regulations under that Act
Remuneration Authority
Tonga Home Gas
Tonga Gas Limited
Electoral Commission
National Identity Card Office
Electricity Commission
National Reserve Bank of Tonga
Any subsidiary of a public enterprise which Government holds majority shares
Lodge a Complaint with us?
A complaint can be done by letter, email, phone or using the Complaint Form. Once a complaint is received it is assessed and the Ombudsman decides whether the matter warrants a full investigation.