High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga

H.E. Mr Brek Batley

Mr Batley is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Solomon Islands Branch.

He has previously served overseas as Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, and has had postings in Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan.

"Mālō e lelei. It is my great privilege to be Australia’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga. My wife Prue and I have been lucky to work in several countries in the Pacific, and we want to take every opportunity to learn about your beautiful country and traditions which are so well regarded both in Australia, and across the region.

The relationship between our two countries is strong. We have long standing partnerships in health, policing, defence, and infrastructure, to name just a few. We share so many people and cultural links, whether through our churches or sport or schools.  We share the most beautiful ocean in the world, and we share world views on so many regional and global issues.

And we always help each other when times are tough. That’s what friends do.  I admire the Tongan proverb and culture of 'Pikipiki hama kae vaevae manava' – we share whatever we have. I want to keep growing our partnership, looking at new ways to build prosperity and resilience in Tonga and our region. Tu'a 'ofa atu."

Watch the High Commissioner's introductory video here.