Australia, Tuvalu look to develop landmark climate pact
Some 90 per cent of Tuvalu's population, or 8750 people, entered a ballot for one of the 280 visa spots allowing them to live, work and study in Australia under the treaty.
Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo thanked Australia for its help on climate change during a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong while in Canberra to open a new high commission.
"Now that the ballot has been done, we need to work through the outcomes of the ballot and get some proper assessment of ... how the Tuvalu public in general perceives the outcome," Mr Teo said in his opening remarks on Tuesday.
"As we went through various public consultations on the treaty, there were different viewpoints on how that should be managed.
"This is the start and we look forward to more collaborations."
The Falepili Union between the two nations came into effect in August 2024.
In a world first, Australia committed to continued recognition of Tuvalu's continuing statehood as it faces the existential threat of rising sea levels and agreed to come to the atoll nation's aid if called upon for assistance responding to natural disasters, pandemic or military aggression.
In return, Tuvalu agreed to give Australia a say in agreements it signs with third countries relating to defence and security, which followed concerns over Beijing striking security deals with Pacific nations.
The provision stirred controversy in Tuvalu over sovereignty concerns as there was a view that Australia had an effective veto over bilateral security agreements.
Mr Teo reviewed the treaty's provisions when he came to power in February 2024, when it had been negotiated by the previous government but yet to enter into force.
Australia reaffirmed Tuvalu's sovereignty in a joint statement in May of the same year, following a visit by Senator Wong.
"It's an agreement that respects your sovereignty, your culture, your identity while preparing for a more challenging future," Senator Wong reiterated on Tuesday.
"We are neighbours, we are family, we share an ocean and we share a future."
Mr Teo also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while in Canberra.
Australia agreed to provide $110 million in development assistance and budget support to Tuvalu as part of the treaty, including $50 million for its first undersea communications cable.
Mr Teo singled out the cable as a major project Australia had helped with, as the better connectivity that started in December 2024, boosting access to telehealth services among other benefits.
"I think it was the biggest Christmas gift that we ever received," he told Senator Wong.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Australia, Tuvalu look to develop landmark climate pact
Australia and Tuvalu will work on progressing a landmark treaty as the two nations seek closer ties in tackling the impacts of climate change in the region. Some 90 per cent of Tuvalu's population, or 8750 people, entered a ballot for one of the 280 visa spots allowing them to live, work and study in Australia under the treaty. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo thanked Australia for its help on climate change during a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong while in Canberra to open a new high commission. "Now that the ballot has been done, we need to work through the outcomes of the ballot and get some proper assessment of ... how the Tuvalu public in general perceives the outcome," Mr Teo said in his opening remarks on Tuesday. "As we went through various public consultations on the treaty, there were different viewpoints on how that should be managed. "This is the start and we look forward to more collaborations." The Falepili Union between the two nations came into effect in August 2024. In return, Tuvalu agreed to give Australia a say in agreements it signs with third countries relating to defence and security, which followed concerns over Beijing striking security deals with Pacific nations. The provision stirred controversy in Tuvalu over sovereignty concerns as there was a view that Australia had an effective veto over bilateral security agreements. Mr Teo reviewed the treaty's provisions when he came to power in February 2024, when it had been negotiated by the previous government but yet to enter into force. Australia reaffirmed Tuvalu's sovereignty in a joint statement in May of the same year, following a visit by Senator Wong. "It's an agreement that respects your sovereignty, your culture, your identity while preparing for a more challenging future," Senator Wong reiterated on Tuesday. "We are neighbours, we are family, we share an ocean and we share a future." Mr Teo also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while in Canberra. Australia agreed to provide $110 million in development assistance and budget support to Tuvalu as part of the treaty, including $50 million for its first undersea communications cable. Mr Teo singled out the cable as a major project Australia had helped with, as the better connectivity that started in December 2024, boosting access to telehealth services among other benefits. "I think it was the biggest Christmas gift that we ever received," he told Senator Wong. Australia and Tuvalu will work on progressing a landmark treaty as the two nations seek closer ties in tackling the impacts of climate change in the region. Some 90 per cent of Tuvalu's population, or 8750 people, entered a ballot for one of the 280 visa spots allowing them to live, work and study in Australia under the treaty. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo thanked Australia for its help on climate change during a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong while in Canberra to open a new high commission. "Now that the ballot has been done, we need to work through the outcomes of the ballot and get some proper assessment of ... how the Tuvalu public in general perceives the outcome," Mr Teo said in his opening remarks on Tuesday. "As we went through various public consultations on the treaty, there were different viewpoints on how that should be managed. "This is the start and we look forward to more collaborations." The Falepili Union between the two nations came into effect in August 2024. In return, Tuvalu agreed to give Australia a say in agreements it signs with third countries relating to defence and security, which followed concerns over Beijing striking security deals with Pacific nations. The provision stirred controversy in Tuvalu over sovereignty concerns as there was a view that Australia had an effective veto over bilateral security agreements. Mr Teo reviewed the treaty's provisions when he came to power in February 2024, when it had been negotiated by the previous government but yet to enter into force. Australia reaffirmed Tuvalu's sovereignty in a joint statement in May of the same year, following a visit by Senator Wong. "It's an agreement that respects your sovereignty, your culture, your identity while preparing for a more challenging future," Senator Wong reiterated on Tuesday. "We are neighbours, we are family, we share an ocean and we share a future." Mr Teo also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while in Canberra. Australia agreed to provide $110 million in development assistance and budget support to Tuvalu as part of the treaty, including $50 million for its first undersea communications cable. Mr Teo singled out the cable as a major project Australia had helped with, as the better connectivity that started in December 2024, boosting access to telehealth services among other benefits. "I think it was the biggest Christmas gift that we ever received," he told Senator Wong. Australia and Tuvalu will work on progressing a landmark treaty as the two nations seek closer ties in tackling the impacts of climate change in the region. Some 90 per cent of Tuvalu's population, or 8750 people, entered a ballot for one of the 280 visa spots allowing them to live, work and study in Australia under the treaty. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo thanked Australia for its help on climate change during a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong while in Canberra to open a new high commission. "Now that the ballot has been done, we need to work through the outcomes of the ballot and get some proper assessment of ... how the Tuvalu public in general perceives the outcome," Mr Teo said in his opening remarks on Tuesday. "As we went through various public consultations on the treaty, there were different viewpoints on how that should be managed. "This is the start and we look forward to more collaborations." The Falepili Union between the two nations came into effect in August 2024. In return, Tuvalu agreed to give Australia a say in agreements it signs with third countries relating to defence and security, which followed concerns over Beijing striking security deals with Pacific nations. The provision stirred controversy in Tuvalu over sovereignty concerns as there was a view that Australia had an effective veto over bilateral security agreements. Mr Teo reviewed the treaty's provisions when he came to power in February 2024, when it had been negotiated by the previous government but yet to enter into force. Australia reaffirmed Tuvalu's sovereignty in a joint statement in May of the same year, following a visit by Senator Wong. "It's an agreement that respects your sovereignty, your culture, your identity while preparing for a more challenging future," Senator Wong reiterated on Tuesday. "We are neighbours, we are family, we share an ocean and we share a future." Mr Teo also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while in Canberra. Australia agreed to provide $110 million in development assistance and budget support to Tuvalu as part of the treaty, including $50 million for its first undersea communications cable. Mr Teo singled out the cable as a major project Australia had helped with, as the better connectivity that started in December 2024, boosting access to telehealth services among other benefits. "I think it was the biggest Christmas gift that we ever received," he told Senator Wong. Australia and Tuvalu will work on progressing a landmark treaty as the two nations seek closer ties in tackling the impacts of climate change in the region. Some 90 per cent of Tuvalu's population, or 8750 people, entered a ballot for one of the 280 visa spots allowing them to live, work and study in Australia under the treaty. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo thanked Australia for its help on climate change during a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong while in Canberra to open a new high commission. "Now that the ballot has been done, we need to work through the outcomes of the ballot and get some proper assessment of ... how the Tuvalu public in general perceives the outcome," Mr Teo said in his opening remarks on Tuesday. "As we went through various public consultations on the treaty, there were different viewpoints on how that should be managed. "This is the start and we look forward to more collaborations." The Falepili Union between the two nations came into effect in August 2024. In return, Tuvalu agreed to give Australia a say in agreements it signs with third countries relating to defence and security, which followed concerns over Beijing striking security deals with Pacific nations. The provision stirred controversy in Tuvalu over sovereignty concerns as there was a view that Australia had an effective veto over bilateral security agreements. Mr Teo reviewed the treaty's provisions when he came to power in February 2024, when it had been negotiated by the previous government but yet to enter into force. Australia reaffirmed Tuvalu's sovereignty in a joint statement in May of the same year, following a visit by Senator Wong. "It's an agreement that respects your sovereignty, your culture, your identity while preparing for a more challenging future," Senator Wong reiterated on Tuesday. "We are neighbours, we are family, we share an ocean and we share a future." Mr Teo also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while in Canberra. Australia agreed to provide $110 million in development assistance and budget support to Tuvalu as part of the treaty, including $50 million for its first undersea communications cable. Mr Teo singled out the cable as a major project Australia had helped with, as the better connectivity that started in December 2024, boosting access to telehealth services among other benefits. "I think it was the biggest Christmas gift that we ever received," he told Senator Wong.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Australia, Tuvalu look to develop landmark climate pact
Australia and Tuvalu will work on progressing a landmark treaty as the two nations seek closer ties in tackling the impacts of climate change in the region. Some 90 per cent of Tuvalu's population, or 8750 people, entered a ballot for one of the 280 visa spots allowing them to live, work and study in Australia under the treaty. Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo thanked Australia for its help on climate change during a meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong while in Canberra to open a new high commission. "Now that the ballot has been done, we need to work through the outcomes of the ballot and get some proper assessment of ... how the Tuvalu public in general perceives the outcome," Mr Teo said in his opening remarks on Tuesday. "As we went through various public consultations on the treaty, there were different viewpoints on how that should be managed. "This is the start and we look forward to more collaborations." The Falepili Union between the two nations came into effect in August 2024. In a world first, Australia committed to continued recognition of Tuvalu's continuing statehood as it faces the existential threat of rising sea levels and agreed to come to the atoll nation's aid if called upon for assistance responding to natural disasters, pandemic or military aggression. In return, Tuvalu agreed to give Australia a say in agreements it signs with third countries relating to defence and security, which followed concerns over Beijing striking security deals with Pacific nations. The provision stirred controversy in Tuvalu over sovereignty concerns as there was a view that Australia had an effective veto over bilateral security agreements. Mr Teo reviewed the treaty's provisions when he came to power in February 2024, when it had been negotiated by the previous government but yet to enter into force. Australia reaffirmed Tuvalu's sovereignty in a joint statement in May of the same year, following a visit by Senator Wong. "It's an agreement that respects your sovereignty, your culture, your identity while preparing for a more challenging future," Senator Wong reiterated on Tuesday. "We are neighbours, we are family, we share an ocean and we share a future." Mr Teo also met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while in Canberra. Australia agreed to provide $110 million in development assistance and budget support to Tuvalu as part of the treaty, including $50 million for its first undersea communications cable. Mr Teo singled out the cable as a major project Australia had helped with, as the better connectivity that started in December 2024, boosting access to telehealth services among other benefits. "I think it was the biggest Christmas gift that we ever received," he told Senator Wong.
The Age
3 days ago
- The Age
Israel Gaza war: Penny Wong, Anthony Albanese and rising calls for humanitarian aid to Gazans
Just two months ago, the United Nations warned: 'Every single one of the 2.1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face the risk of famine. One in five faces starvation.' And we know many have been shot by Israeli soldiers while trying to get food. At the weekend, Israel announced it would take steps to restore aid. Sadly, by this stage it is difficult to know with what level of credulity to treat its government's assertions. Israel has long blamed Hamas for looting aid; on Sunday, The New York Times carried a report based on conversations with Israeli military officials: 'the Israeli military never found proof that the Palestinian militant group had systematically stolen aid from the United Nations … In fact, the Israeli military officials said, the UN aid delivery system, which Israel derided and undermined, was largely effective in providing food to Gaza's desperate and hungry population.' This backed reports of a recent American analysis with similar findings. The starvation of the people of Gaza, then, is not an accident; it is not a tragic byproduct of other actions. As de Waal wrote years ago, 'starve' should not be seen as a passive verb. It is something someone does to someone else. And, it follows, something that others permit to be done. Almost a year ago, one Israeli minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said: 'No one will allow us to starve 2 million people, even though that might be just and moral until they return the hostages.' He was wrong. Loading Wong's early call for restraint in Gaza tells us several things. It shows it was possible, at the very beginning, to glimpse some of what was coming. At the same time, Wong's early defensiveness shows how easily participants in public debate – including leading politicians – are able to be knocked off course by efforts to make certain statements unsayable. The conservative press is significant in these efforts; but the rest of the political class, politicians and media, are the ones who allow themselves to be cowed. Israel has achieved as much as it ever will from this war. In the doing, thousands more Palestinians have been killed. Together, these two facts mean that more things are now able to be said. But the moral and practical test for those with influence has shifted. Loading Of course, it's true that Australia can't by itself end the fighting. And it is hard to know what will make Netanyahu listen – or make America behave differently. And it is true, too, that statements can have some effect. The last time famine threatened in Gaza, international pressure led to an increase in aid. Obviously, though, this was only temporary. And that is why it is important to recognise that other options are available to Australia. The UK has now announced it is working with Jordan to deliver aid and will medically evacuate children. France has said it will recognise Palestine as a state, something former Labor ministers Gareth Evans, Bob Carr and Ed Husic are calling for here. On Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made clear that Israel has breached international law. This was a welcome injection of clarity. Still, the test at this late stage is no longer whether politicians can issue damning statements. The only meaningful test left is whether our leaders will do everything they can to stop Netanyahu's Israel from killing any more Palestinians.
