The Supreme Court has ordered the Public Services Commission to cease advertising for and recruiting a Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has also suspended Paula Ma’u’s appointment as acting CEO.
In April, Judge Cooper issued an interim injunction. The defendants, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Public Services Commission, and Ma’u, sought a review of this decision. The case summary revealed that in February, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs requested a judicial review of Ma’u’s appointment, claiming the Public Services Commission overstepped its authority by creating the CEO position and recruiting Ma’u. It was further argued that the Minister exceeded his powers by appointing someone to the role.
Chief Justice Tupou granted leave for a review. The defendants contended that the Secretary’s actions, including the installation of CCTV cameras, had negatively impacted staff and operations. Senior staff felt excluded from usual duties, affecting embassy work.
The Secretary, in his role since 2019, emphasised the appointment’s compliance with the Public Services Act and questioned Ma’u’s ability to balance the CEO role with his other responsibilities.
Judge Cooper ruled to maintain the injunction, emphasising the importance of preserving the existing department hierarchy and diplomatic engagement channels.
