Australia commits AUD30 million in budget support to Tonga [1]
Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 16:10. Updated on Thursday, December 8, 2022 - 17:09.
In reaffirming Australia's commitment to Tonga's economic recovery, an additional budget support of AUD30 million was signed by its Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy, during his visit to Nuku'alofa this week.
The parties stated that Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku hosted Minister Conroy for productive and warm discussions after arriving on 7 December. They were joined by Foreign Minister, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu and Finance Minister, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti, at the St George Building in Nuku'alofa.
Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said they signed two new arrangements “to further strengthen our partnership”.
- A Direct Funding Arrangement for AUD30 million in additional budget support to Tonga in 2022-23 to support Tonga’s economic recovery from compounding shocks, including COVID-19, the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai disaster and more recent global inflationary pressures.
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme Memorandum of Understanding that renews our joint commitment to implement the PALM scheme to support the economic development of Tonga and builds skills for Tongan workers when they return home.
A third arrangement was announced for an aviation Memorandum of Understanding establishes a framework for Tonga Civil Aviation Division to work more closely with Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) across technical, regulatory, and other areas of support.
Hon Hu'akavameiliku said the Tonga Government looked forward to working with the Australian Government to advance our close relations.
Commitment strengthened
Minister Conroy said he was honoured to visit Tonga for the first time as Minister for International Development and the Pacific. He is the third Australian Minister to visit, since June this year.
“Australia and Tonga share a long and enduring bond of friendship. Australia always has been and always will support Tonga through good times and bad, just as the people of Tonga have done for us,” he said.
"Australia is committed to supporting Tonga on its journey back to economic strength after recent crises and shocks. I am pleased Australia is providing additional budget support of AUD30 million to help the Government of Tonga’s economic recovery and the resilience of its people.
“I was pleased to sign the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme Memorandum of Understanding. Australia is committed to ensuring the PALM scheme makes a real and substantial contribution to both our economies and brings our communities closer together.
“As Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, I am determined to ensure our development partnership responds to the needs and priorities of Tonga.”
Both Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku and Minister Conroy pledged to continue to work closely together on issues of bilateral, regional and global interest, as members of the Pacific family.
The Minister's program today included visits to areas impacted by the volcanic eruption and tsunami, the Masefield Navy Base, Vaiola Hospital, as well as meeting with Police Commissioner, Shane McLennan and toured Tonga Police headquarters in Longolongo.
He is expected to visit the Salote Port and Proposed Lagoon Bridge Site (potential AIFFP-funded projects), Alonga Disability Centre and meet Lord Chief Justice, Michael Whitten KC and tour the Courts, before departing on 9 December.