Debate resumed, on motion by Ms Parke:

That the House:

(1)

expresses its:

(a)

deep sympathy for the people of Haiti following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck on 12 January 2010 causing terrible devastation, including large-scale loss of life and injury; destruction of homes, buildings and infrastructure; and widespread hunger, thirst, homelessness and lack of security;

(b)

deep sympathy for the United Nations as this disaster has caused the greatest loss of life of United Nations staff members in the organisation’s history; and

(c)

strong appreciation for the critical work of the United Nations in Haiti, which it continues to perform under extremely difficult circumstances;

(2)

strongly supports the actions of the Government in providing funding in the amount of $10 million for immediate emergency relief in Haiti, and $5 million for reconstruction, as well as technical assistance in the relief and reconstruction effort;

(3)

urges the Government to consider the provision of further funding and assistance towards the reconstruction effort over the months and years ahead;

(4)

notes its appreciation of the contribution of many United Nations’ member states and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to the aid effort in Haiti; and

(5)

recognises and welcomes the generous and compassionate contributions made by many Australians, and by Australian-based NGOs and charities to the relief efforts in Haiti.

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