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In 2023, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed an agreement with the former Tuvaluan leader Kausea Natano, in an effort to improve relations between the two countries.
The agreement, known as the Falepili Union, attracted criticism at the time, with some arguing it eroded Tuvalu’s sovereignty with a clause that stated Australia must “mutually agree” to any security agreements struck with other countries.
But Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has said the agreement is fair to both parties, because it obliges Australia to come to the Pacific nation’s aid and provide security guarantees.
“Australia’s vision for the region is grounded in respect: respect for sovereignty, respect for your priorities. Fundamentally, sovereignty – what does it mean? It’s about being able to chart your own destiny. It’s about being able to make your own choices. But the thing about sovereignty is this: it is best assured by working together.”
Now, Penny Wong has announced a $110 million investment to demonstrate its commitment to the partnership, money that will be included in next week’s federal budget announcement and be spent on some of Tuvalu’s most urgent priorities.
To that end, $50 million of the investment has been set aside for the development of Tuvalu’s first underwater telecommunications cable, to establish connectivity across the island.
“I give you all of these because what they demonstrate is the work we are doing together. Australia wishes to listen. We are consulting. And we are seeking to respond. Because we want to be that good neighbour, the good neighbour that is at the heart of Falepili.”
The Minister travelled to Tuvalu for the announcement with the Opposition’s Foreign Affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham.
Mr Birmingham says communication is not the only priority, with climate change also an important goal, as Tuvalu faces constant threats from deadly floods and rising sea levels.
He has said Australia’s commitment to Tuvalu needed to have a bipartisan front.
“We are opposites in politics, but we are here together. And we are here together to ensure that the message of togetherness from Australia is as strong and resolute and clear as we can make it, in terms of our commitment and our relationship with Tuvalu.”
James Batley is a Policy Fellow in the Department of Pacific Affairs at the Australian National University in Canberra.
He says the partnership is an important motivation for the funding – but so is countering the influence of China as Beijing flexes its growing military might in the Pacific zone.
“The background of China’s activity in the Pacific is part of the motivation for this sort of agreement. But it’s also a way – a very creative way I think – to address the challenges faced by a very vulnerable, isolated, small island state in the Pacific.”
Despite the initial criticism of the Falepili Union, Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister Paulsen Panapa says the agreement is in the best interests of his nation.
James Batley says it’s got popular support.
“The agreement which has now been endorsed by two successive Tuvalu governments is really groundbreaking in many perspectives.”
For Foreign Minister Panapa, the security guarantee that the treaty provides is something unique.
He says it doesn’t limit Tuvalu’s liberty to enter into diplomatic relations with other states, and that the monetary help provided by Australia is also important for his nation’s further development.
“As we look to the future, we seek Australia’s continued support in areas of mutual concern, such as climate change, security, peace, democracy, and sustainable development. These shared values underscore the essence of our partnership and are pivotal for securing a sustainable and prosperous future for our people and the broader Pacific community.”
