It is my great pleasure to thank Your Excellency and Your
dear wife Christiane, on behalf of the Government and People of Tonga for
inviting us here to the residence to celebrate with you and members of the
Australian community in Tonga - this Australia Day 2012.
We understand that this is the day that Australians in Australia and all over the world gather together and celebrate and reflect on the national spirit of Australia. It brings to my mind the Australian "spirit of mateship" . This term is not a newly coined term but it is as old as Australian history itself. This "spirit of mateship" is what caused Australians to reach out their hands to each other in time of needs and also to their neighbours, and neighbouring countries such as Tonga.
The friendship between our two Governments is moving towards its 42nd year of Diplomatic relations, and we will not forget the Australian "spirit of mateship" reaching to Tonga and it's people in time of natural disasters and partnership development programs over these many years.
Tonga counts it a tower of strength to receive invaluable support and prompt response during difficult times and time of desperate needs. We are so grateful that the Australian "spirit of mateship" is always there to help.
Your Excellency touched on the Australian Government program of assistance to Tonga on economic, educational, defence and cultural sectors. It was a great honour for Tonga to have the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce to visit Tonga last year is a sign of the close ties between our two countries.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Tonga, I take this opportunity to extend to Your Excellency and to all Australians - our bests wishes of a happy and enjoyable Australia Day 2012.
May I ask you all to please raise your glasses with me, as I propose a toast of celebrations on Australia Day 2012 to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia.....
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Information and Communications, Nuku'alofa 2012.
