A high-level Tongan delegation has wrapped up an official visit to Australia focused on deepening regional cooperation.
Led by former Prime Minister Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, the delegation met with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Assistant Minister Matt Thistlethwaite to discuss expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, education support, and cybersecurity.
Hon. Sovaleni raised concerns over Tongan workers’ access to superannuation and called for broader PALM access in mining and construction. He also urged Australian backing for Tonga National University, particularly in technical training and research.
The delegation requested exemptions on kava restrictions for cultural leaders and flagged opportunities for cooperation ahead of the 2031 South Pacific Games.
Minister Wong reaffirmed Australia’s support for Tonga, noting mutual benefits of the PALM scheme and citing a construction pilot in Darwin. She welcomed Tonga’s education proposals, stating, “DFAT will consider the university request, while our regional focus remains the University of the South Pacific.”
Cybersecurity was another priority, following recent attacks on Tonga’s Health Ministry. Hon. Dr. Mo‘ale ‘Otunuku thanked Australia for its assistance and support in Vava‘u.
The visit also included meetings with PALM workers, South Australian MPs, and fire officials preparing donations to Tonga.
There are more than 150 Tongan workers at AgriExchange/Costa citrus farm in Renmark, South Australia. According to the Australia High Commission’s office in Tonga, over the last two years, Tongan workers have earned more than AUD30 million (TOP45 million) in wages at the AgriExchange/Costa citrus farm.
The delegation also met with Australia’s Foreign Minister Wong, Assistant Foreign Minister Thistlethwaite and with the South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service which has a 30+ year partnership with Tonga.
Further discussions with Minister Thistlethwaite are expected to shape next steps in bilateral engagement.
