Originally a Cabinet position held jointly with the portfolio of Minister of Justice, the office was made independent in 2009.
[2] its responsibilities include providing legal advice, drafting legislation, and conducting prosecutions and representing the crown in civil matters, as well as "supporting constitutional integrity and governance" and "facilitating [the] Government’s lawful and responsible legal dealings"[2] Following constitutional reforms in January 2012, the Attorney General is reportedly John Cauchi, appointed in May 2009, was the first Attorney General not to hold the portfolio of Justice Minister.
In early 2011, the CIA Factbook stated the Attorney General was ʻAsipeli ʻAminiasi Kefu.
Minister for Justice Samiu Vaipulu was the Attorney General just prior to Sweetman's appointment; the latter thus disassociated the two positions, which had once again been combined in a single person.
[1] Matangi Tonga has noted that three of the country's Attorneys General (namely Tupou and both Taumoepeaus) "have been told to resign".