Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Stott Despoja for the supplementary question. I reiterate the fact that Australia takes very seriously our role in stepping up to the plate with assistance. Just to continue with the case that I was previously engaged in about Sudan, I note that—apart from our $71 million in humanitarian aid since mid-2004, with almost $11 million to address the spillover effects on neighbouring countries—we have also provided 15 specialist ADF personnel to the United Nations mission in Sudan that was established in March 2005 to support the implementation of a north and south comprehensive peace agreement. We have a very proud record of sending our AFP officers on peacekeeping efforts. We sent them to Cyprus, just to mention one mission. We have been involved in over 40 missions in past years. Mr Andy Hughes, a former AFP officer, was appointed head of UN police recently. I will get some further information for Senator Stott Despoja, but I do not think the thrust of her question is supported. Australia steps up to the plate and takes seriously our responsibilities in those particular situations. (Time expired)