Strengthening Public Enterprises: New Directors Inducted with Australian Support
Joint Media Release
26 June 2025
Sixteen newly appointed directors and chairs of Tonga’s Public Enterprises have completed a three-day induction program on corporate governance responsibilities, knowledge and leadership.
The training — the first of its kind in Tonga for more than a decade — was delivered by the Australian Institute of Management and sponsored by the Australian Government.
The program included two days of general training for all directors, concluding with a certificate presentation. The final day was a tailored session for board chairpersons, emphasising leadership and strategic oversight.
Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Piveni Piukala, expressed his appreciation for the support.
“Our government has made strong progress towards better governance. This training will help ensure that our new board of directors have the right skills to serve our country more effectively.”
Australia’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga, H.E. Brek Batley said Australia values the role of state-owned enterprises, which provide critical services to all Tongans – from electricity, gas and water to postal, telecommunication and transport services.
High Commissioner Batley also congratulated the government for achieving 30% representation of women on the boards, a historic milestone.
Australia’s support for public enterprise governance complements its broader investments in Tonga’s state-owned infrastructure — including currently the Queen Salote Wharf upgrade project, second undersea communications cable, runway lights at the Ha’apai Airport and significant support for Tonga Power Limited — and aligns to its efforts to strengthen governance in partnership with the Government of Tonga.
