Its in the Australian national interest to comprehensively assist Tonga to rebuild

And my third suggestion is an absolute no-brainer. I mentioned there are around 4000 Tongans working in the agricultural sector in South Australia under the South Pacific seasonal workers program. I understand a small number are also working in other states.

We should look at expanding the number of Tongans in the seasonal workers program – and providing wage subsidies in the short term on the basis the workers assist their families back in Tonga.

As I have said Tonga is a small nation. Its need today is great. The capacity of Australia and New Zealand to assist it rebuild comprehensively and effectively is beyond dispute.

All we need is a more focussed, and frankly realistic policy approach from the Australian Government! And the good people of Tonga deserve it!