Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question. As senators would be aware, New Zealand authorities have confirmed that a secondary explosion took place at the mine site on the afternoon of Wednesday, 24 November. It is with great sadness that I confirm to the Senate that the families of the trapped miners have been told by the New Zealand authorities that there is no hope of survivors from the most recent explosion.

At this tragic time, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the 29 men, including two Australians, Joshua Ufer and William Joynson. Australia and New Zealand have always enjoyed a close and enduring relationship, and the Prime Minister has been in regular contact with the New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key. Senators should be aware that she has conveyed her and the country’s condolences to the government and people of New Zealand, and I am sure all senators support those sentiments.

Reflecting as well on the recent rescue of the trapped Chilean miners, it is always a sad irony that events such as these bring into sharp relief the strength of the ties between communities separated by thousands of miles. I do not believe there would be a single Australian who has been untouched by the developments in New Zealand over the past few days. Many, of course, have begun to recall our own Beaconsfield mine disaster which occurred over four years ago, and the mix of sorrow and jubilation at Brant Webb and Todd Russell emerging safely whereas their mate Larry Knight had tragically been killed. Similarly, many Australians would remember the outpouring of heartfelt support and well wishes that the Beaconsfield community received from all over the world. Similar expressions of support are flooding in to New Zealand. As I say, there is a particularly strong Australian connection and I know all Australians are very moved, and will continue to support that community. So our thoughts will continue to be with the families of the miners over the coming days, and will continue to be as church memorial services are held.