Australia's Defence Cooperation Program supports Tuvalu's maritime police force with training, fresh water and supplies.

On 7 April 2019, Australia donated a Guardian-class patrol boat that was named HMTSS Te Mataili II, and which was operated by the maritime surveillance unit of the Tuvalu Police Force.

[12] Technical and Vocational Skills Development (TVSD) in Tuvalu is supported by the Australian Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).

The AIFFP funds, together with AUD$11m (USD$7.2m) of in-kind contribution from the Government of Tuvalu, are allocated to complete a project at Niutao and to implement a project at Nui, to construct workboat harbors, including constructing a navigation channel, boat ramp, passenger terminal, cargo shed, as well as shoreline reclamation.

[20][21] Under the Falepili Union Australia and Tuvalu agreed to resolve any disputes bilaterally and not "involve any national or international tribunal or court or any other third party for resolution".

[22] The entry into the treaty has been criticised by Tuvaluan politicians as allowing Australia veto power over Tuvalu's foreign security agreements.

[26] However, former Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga claimed the Falepili Union would undermine the country's sovereignty and vowed to repeal it should he head a government again after the election.

[23][27] Sopoaga emphasised the sensitivity of conserving the sovereignty of the Pacific Island nations amidst a period where bigger countries, such as the United States and China, are competing for influence in the region.

Conroy also stated that “Australia commits to assist Tuvalu in responding to a major natural disaster, a health pandemic, or military aggression.

The new High Commission in Tuvalu Road, Vaiaku, Funafuti, was officially opened by Foreign Minister Payne on 7 February 2019.