Head of Mission

Mr David Charlton was appointed as Australia’s resident High Commissioner to Tuvalu in late 2024. 

Mr Charlton joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from the Department of Defence.  

Prior to his appointment, Mr Charlton was Executive Director of the Australia – Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Program (P4A).  

Mr Charlton has made significant contributions to Australia’s interests in the Pacific in humanitarian response, foreign policy and development. With a background in aviation, Mr Charlton led the development of the new 5-year P4A program and commenced its implementation prior to preparing for his role in Tuvalu.  

Mr Charlton also served as Acting Head of Mission at the Australian High Commission in Kiribati in 2023. 

Mr Charlton’s career includes industry, non-government and military sectors. His military service focused on the Middle East, Solomon Islands, and domestic support (fire/flood/pandemic). 

Mr Charlton was awarded a Chief of Defence Force (CDF) commendation for Middle East Service and a Commendation for the Solomon Islands. He was Commanding Officer of the Fourth/Third Battalion, the Royal New South Wales Regiment (2018-2020) and currently holds the rank of Colonel. 

Australian High Commission in Funafuti 

Australian High Commission 
1st Floor, Telecom Tuvalu Building 
Tuvalu Road, Vaiaku 
Funafuti, Tuvalu 
Tel: +688 20043 
Email: [email protected]
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Working hours: 

• High Commission: 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday
• Except for public holidays (see below)

Public holidays in 2025

The High Commission will be closed on the following days:

• New Years Day, Wednesday, 1 January 2025
• Australia Day, Monday, 27 January 2025
• Good Friday, Friday, 18 April 2025
• Easter Monday, Monday, 21 April 2025
• Te Aso ote Tala Lei (Gospel Day), Monday, 12 May 2025
• Birthday of the Sovereign, Monday, 16 June 2025
• National Children’s Day, Monday, 4 August 2025
• Tuvalu Independence, Wednesday, 1 October 2025
• Tuvalu Independence, Thursday, 2 October 2025
• Christmas Day, Thursday, 25 December 2025
• Boxing Day, Friday, 26 December 2025
• Additional DFAT Public Holiday, Monday, 29 December 2025
• Additional DFAT Public Holiday, Tuesday, 30 December 2025
• Additional DFAT Public Holiday, Wednesday, 31 December 2025