The Standing Committee on Legislation of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga held a public consultation on the Tonga Youth Justice Bill 2024 yesterday in the Chambers of the Legislative Assembly. Members of the public were invited to participate and offer submissions.
The meeting was chaired by Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, with key contributions from Attorney General Mrs. Linda Folaumoetu’i, Chief Legal Officer Mr. Inoke Finau, Ms. Sela Bloomfield and People’s Representative Piveni Piukala.

The primary aim of the consultation was to discuss the objectives of the Tonga Youth Justice Bill 2024, which seeks to address youth offending in a developmentally and culturally appropriate manner.
The Bill’s key goals are to prevent children or young people from entering the formal criminal justice system, reduce court pressure by diverting minor cases, and decrease re-offending through Youth Diversion Plans.

Public attendees were encouraged to engage with the proposed legislation, which is designed to mitigate the adverse consequences of youth involvement in the justice system and to provide targeted support for at-risk young people.