Australia Reaffirms Commitment to Tonga with $50 Million Support Package
Nuku‘alofa May 21, 2025– Australia’s Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong has announced a major new assistance package during her visit to Tonga, reaffirming Canberra’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Kingdom and supporting the region’s long-term stability and sovereignty.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Dr.Aisake Eke, Wong emphasised trust and partnership as the cornerstones of the bilateral relationship. “What we value most is your trust,” she said, adding that Tonga’s proud history of defending its sovereignty continues to inspire leadership across the Pacific.
Australia will commit $50 million over four years to launch the next phase of the Tonga–Australia Support Platform, with targeted investment in health services, public governance, and gender equality. In addition, $5 million in direct budget support will assist the Government of Tonga with health infrastructure and fiscal stability.
“These are contributions focused on economic resilience,” said Wong, who has previously served as Australia’s Finance Minister. “Financial sustainability contributes to safeguarding a country’s sovereignty.”
Wong also announced $1 million in community grants to support local organisations and leaders delivering grassroots solutions. She highlighted the role of traditional knowledge in addressing shared challenges, with ecological experts currently in Tonga demonstrating Pacific-led approaches to climate resilience.
Climate change remained central to the minister’s message, describing it as “a shared challenge” that Pacific nations live with daily. “You see it every day—it’s not a tomorrow issue,” she said.
Wong reiterated Australia’s backing of the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), which was established under Tonga’s leadership as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Australia has provided a $100 million founding contribution, part of a broader $700 million commitment to climate finance. Discussions also touched on operationalising the PRF alongside Tonga’s national Climate Change Trust Fund.
The visit builds on more than 170 years of ties between the two nations, tracing back to King Tupou I’s historic visit to Sydney in 1853. Wong closed her remarks by reaffirming Australia’s position as a trusted partner in uncertain times.
“Together, we will continue to work for a Pacific that is peaceful, stable, prosperous—and sovereign,” she said.
