TONGAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION CONCLUDES OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

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A high-level delegation from the Legislative Assembly of Tonga has successfully concluded its official visit to Australia. The visit culminated in a meeting with the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, and the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite. This visit was part of an Australia-led initiative to strengthen regional cooperation and deepen bilateral relations between the two nations.

The Tongan delegation was led by Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, former Prime Minister and People’s Representative for Tongatapu 3, and Lord Tu‘ilakepa, Chairman of the Whole House Committee and Nobles’ Representative for Vava‘u 2. They were accompanied by Hon. Dr. Mo‘ale ‘Otunuku, People’s Representative for Vava‘u 14; Dr. Sione Vikilani, Deputy Clerk of the Legislative Assembly; and Mr. Callum Findlay, Second Secretary at the Australian High Commission in Tonga.

Key Issues Raised with Minister Wong

During the meeting with Minister Wong, Hon. Sovaleni raised several key issues, including:

• Streamlining access to superannuation for Tongan PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) workers upon completion of their contracts;
• Expanding the PALM scheme to include additional sectors such as mining and construction;
• Enhancing education cooperation, particularly through Australian support for the Tonga National University, with a focus on TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) infrastructure and research capacity;
• Requesting exemptions on kava import restrictions for political and cultural leaders required to present kava as part of traditional obligations when visiting Tongan communities in Australia.

The delegation also sought Australia's support as Tonga prepares to host the 2031 South Pacific Games, emphasizing the opportunity for collaboration in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Cybersecurity was another key focus, especially in light of recent cyberattacks targeting Tonga’s Ministry of Health. Hon. Sovaleni expressed appreciation for Australia's swift assistance and proposed further collaboration on capacity-building for local IT personnel to strengthen national cyber resilience.

Hon. Dr. Mo‘ale ‘Otunuku thanked Minister Wong and the Australian Government for their continued support, including assistance for the hospital and community health clinics in Vava‘u. He also underscored the importance of developing a strong research centre and expanding TVET programs at the Tonga National University as part of Tonga’s broader development strategy.

Minister Wong’s Response

• Minister Wong reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to Tonga as a valued friend and key regional partner, and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the delegation.
• She reiterated Australia's support for the PALM scheme, highlighting its mutual benefits for workers, employers, and participating nations.
• The Minister noted that sectors such as meat processing, aged care, and early childhood education have already been added to the PALM scheme. She mentioned a pilot program in Darwin involving construction workers and confirmed that Australia would further consider expanding into other sectors such as mining, in consultation with her advisers.
• On the request for support to the Tonga National University, Minister Wong said she would ask the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to consider the proposal. However, she clarified that Australia’s principal education partnership in the Pacific remains with the University of the South Pacific.
• Regarding the 2031 South Pacific Games, Minister Wong noted that Australia would first need a clearer understanding of Tonga’s national priorities before committing to specific assistance.

The Tongan delegation sincerely thanked Minister Wong for making time to meet and for her continued engagement and support for Tonga and the wider Pacific region.
Other Key Visits and Engagements

While in South Australia, the delegation visited PALM workers employed by the Costa Group, one of Australia’s largest agricultural companies. The group met with several of the 152 Tongan workers, toured the packing facilities, and inspected the worker accommodation.

The delegation also visited the Parliament of South Australia, the Legislative Assembly of Tonga’s official twin parliament. Members of the delegation were formally welcomed and introduced in the House of Assembly by Speaker Hon. Leon Bignell. The President of the Legislative Council, Hon. Terence John Stephens, hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation.

As part of the official program, the group visited the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (SAMFS), which maintains a long-standing partnership with the Tonga Fire Department. Members of SAMFS showcased two fire trucks that will soon be donated to Tonga. The delegation expressed heartfelt thanks to the Fire Service for its ongoing support and cooperation.

In Sydney, the delegation held a separate meeting with Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite, where discussions continued on kava import regulations, cybersecurity, and other shared interests.