The Australian government is willing to support the process of political reform in Tonga, and will make a "substantial financial contribution" to support the newly formed National Committee for Political Reform chaired by Prince Tu'ipelehake, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga said in his Australia Day speech yesterday evening.

"The Australian government agrees that the work upon which you are embarked has a special importance at this moment in Tonga's history," Mr Colin Hill told Prince Tu'ipelehake and members of the NCPR who were among 200 people gathered at the Australian High Commissioner's residence at Ma'ufanga to celebrate the 105th anniversary of Australia's nationhood.

"In recognition of the importance of the committee's planned activities, Australia will provide a substantial financial contribution in support of that work. The details will be worked out in consultation with the government of Tonga and the National Committee as soon as possible."

Mr Hill also reminded Tongans of the contributions that a number of Australians are making toward the development of Tonga.

He recognized Tonga's struggling economy but was convinced that "times call for home grown solutions. Australia certainly stands willing to consider support for such solutions, if help relevant to our expertise is sought."

Mr Hill also said that his New Zealand colleague, Dr Michael McBryde had asked him to also mention that the government of New Zealand also intends to make a substantial contribution to the work of the National Committee.