John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

It is an important supplementary question, and I can assure the Senate that Australia is continuing to work with its regional and international partners, especially ASEAN, to coordinate aid efforts and ensure that the Burmese regime maintains access for international aid organisations. Mr Smith discussed the relief effort with ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan in July, and Australia has agreed to support key personnel positions for ASEAN operations in Burma and is exploring further opportunities to assist ASEAN. Australia’s total contribution in response to the cyclone now stands at $55 million, making Australia one of the largest individual donors.