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On 28 August 2024, Prime Minister Feleti and Prime Minister Albanese triggered the entry into force of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union. This is a momentous step in our elevated partnership, which puts in place transformational arrangements to safeguard the future of Tuvalu.

The values of ‘falepili’ guide our partnership: a commitment to care for, share with and protect each other.

Building climate resilience

• Australia and Tuvalu are working together to ensure Tuvaluans can stay and thrive in their homeland, protecting Tuvaluan culture, heritage and traditions for generations to come
• In a world first, Australia has recognised Tuvalu's continuing statehood in the face of sea-level rise in a legally binding treaty
• We are investing in practical adaptation measures, including committing AUD38 million to the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project to expand safe land to protect the lives and livelihoods of Tuvaluans

Safeguarding our collective peace and security

• If Tuvalu calls on Australia for assistance responding to a major natural disaster, health pandemic or military aggression, then Australia will respond
• Through open and honest dialogue, in the spirit of falepili, we will mutually agree any new third party engagement on defence and security-related matters in Tuvalu
• We are enhancing our security partnerships to build Tuvalu's capacity to prepare for and respond to today's challenges, including committing AUD15 million for a National Security Coordination Centre in Tuvalu
• We will continue our longstanding maritime security partnership through the provision of a replacement Guardian-Class Patrol Boat to support Tuvalu to protect its vital maritime resources

Supporting mobility with dignity

• Australia and Tuvalu recognise the importance of choice in enabling mobility with dignity
• Australia will provide Tuvaluan citizens the choice to migrate to Australia – temporarily or permanently – to live, work, and study as permanent residents
• Visa holders will have access to Australian health, education, and key income family support on arrival
• Visa holders will have freedom to travel to and from Australia to maintain connections with family and community in Tuvalu
• Australia will support settlement outcomes, maintain connections to Tuvaluan culture and support access to services in Australia
• There will be an allocation of 280 visas for the first year of the program
• Australia has committed to support Tuvalu to uplift its passport, immigration, citizenship and border controls to ensure our shared interest in the integrity of the special visa arrangement

Uplifting our partnership

Telecommunications

Australia will contribute AUD50 million to deliver Tuvalu's first undersea telecommunications cable - unlocking vital digital opportunities

Education

Australia is investing in access to quality education and skills training to build a brighter future for Tuvaluans

Fiscal support

Australia is deepening our economic partnership through AUD10 million in budget support, contributions to the Tuvalu Trust Fund and expanded economic advisory support for critical reforms

Connectivity

Australia is providing AUD40 million to help improve the safety and reliability of Tuvalu's aviation sector and enhance connectivity – helping to connect us to each other and to the region

Health

Australia is deepening our partnership with Tuvalu to deliver on shared health priorities and improve the health and wellbeing of Tuvaluans