AUSTRALIA has committed $AUD20 million to support gender equality, disability inclusion and social inclusion in Tonga over the next three years.
Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Michelle O’Byrne, announced the investment during her first visit to Tonga last week.
The funding will support locally led priorities, including implementing Tonga’s gender equality and disability policies, violence prevention, and survivor support.
O’Byrne said the investment reflected the close relationship between the two countries and Australia’s commitment to supporting Tongan-led development.
“Tonga and Australia are Kaume’a Ofi – close friends,” O’Byrne said.
“Our partnership is built on decades of cooperation, deep people-to-people connections and shared values.”
The announcement comes as Tonga advances several national initiatives on gender equality and inclusion.
These include the launch of the Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Tonga (WEGET III) Policy in March 2026 and the National Disability Inclusive Development Policy in August 2025.
Tonga also held its National Women’s Fono in July, described as the country’s largest consultation with women, involving more than 5000 women across the Kingdom.
The new Australian funding will support Tonga’s efforts to implement these national commitments, while strengthening the capacity of government and civil society organisations.
It will also expand access to services for women, girls, people with disabilities and other groups facing violence, discrimination or exclusion.
A key component will be continued support for Families Free of Violence, Australia’s flagship initiative on preventing and responding to family violence in Tonga.
Australia will also expand its partnership with the Women and Children Crisis Centre to strengthen violence prevention, advocacy and support services for survivors.
The investment will further support civil society organisations and organisations of persons with disabilities working on women’s empowerment, disability, and social inclusion.
During her visit, O’Byrne met women leaders, youth representatives, Australia Awards alums, security partners, faith leaders, civil society organisations and government representatives.
She said Australia would continue working alongside Tonga to ensure development priorities were locally driven.
“Through this investment, we are proud to work alongside government, civil society and communities to support Tongan-led priorities,” she said.
Source: Matangi Tonga
