Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the devastating tragedy that has taken place in Turkiye and Syria. Amidst the devastation, the images coming through are absolutely heartbreaking. The latest death toll from Monday's catastrophic earthquake has passed 7,800 people, with the toll expected to rise considerably. Members of my local community, including those I know well, have lost direct family members and loved ones. The community has rallied strongly, with local organisations, mosque and businesses stepping up to support with efforts to assist with the unfolding humanitarian crisis. We are seeing shipping containers and trucks arriving from interstate into my electorate to be received and filled by generous donations and supplies from within our community. As part of the government, I thank the Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs for yesterday's announcement of an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected.

I join with my community in mourning relatives and loved ones who were lost and impacted by this tragedy. There will be prayers this Friday at the Meadow Heights mosque and other places across the electorate, and I hope to be able to attend in solidarity and support. Just as the local community response has been remarkable and a measure of the human spirit, I have no doubt that the resilience of the people of Turkiye and Syria will be what defines this humanitarian crisis.