Tonga

Stepping-up in Tonga
Australia's relationship with Tonga is strong, reflecting our longstanding development, security and people-to-people links. Our partnership has deepened under our Pacific Step-up.
Australia has a significant Tongan community, with over 32,000 people living in Australia identifying as having Tongan ancestry.
Fifty years of partnership
In 2020, Australia and Tonga celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, illustrating the strength and endurance of our relationship.
Australia and Tonga have a broad relationship that includes security cooperation, people-to-people links and economic and human development.
More about Tonga.
Supporting Tonga's sustainable growth
Australia’s development assistance supports a shared vision of a prosperous and stable Tonga, committed to shaping a strong COVID-19 recovery and building resilience in the face of natural disasters. Australian support for health systems, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), economic growth, skills development and labour mobility all contribute to COVID-19 recovery.
More about Australia's development assistance program in Tonga.
A safe and stable Tonga
Australia is committed to supporting Tonga's security, including through the Defence Cooperation Program, the Pacific Maritime Security Program, and the Tonga Police Development Program.
More about shared security in the Pacific.
Linking Australian employers and Tongan workers
Labour mobility is a key driver of growth and will make an important contribution to economic recovery from COVID-19. We are working closely with the Tongan Government to enable an efficient, safe and economical resumption of circular labour mobility.
Deepening people-to-people links
Australia continues to deepen social, educational and cultural links with Tonga through a range of new initiatives including Australia Awards Scholarships, the Australian Volunteer Program, and the PacificAus Sports Program.
More about Australian volunteers in Tonga.
More about Australian Awards in Tonga.