Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to offer my condolences to the people of Japan, following the series of catastrophes that they have faced in recent days. I echo the remarks of my colleagues before me. As Senator Ludlam has said, these series of catastrophes are still unfolding. We should pause to reflect on the thousands of lives lost due to the earthquake and resulting tsunami, and the thousands of lives threatened by the emergencies at the nuclear power plants. It is important we also think about what now faces those who have survived. Entire communities have been lost. Rebuilding will be a long, difficult and painful process, but I have no doubt about the resilience, courage and strength of the Japanese people to undertake what needs to be done. We must do all we can to help Japan rebuild.

I would like to take the opportunity to express my admiration for the Australian emergency response workers who have travelled to Japan to assist in this crisis. It is more than just the assistance which we are giving them that is important; it is also the moral support that we are giving that is important. Motions such as this are an important part of that to make clear how strong the bond is between our two nations. All disasters by definition are terrible, but the earthquake and tsunami followed by the nuclear crisis seem to be in a different category of terrible. Our thoughts are with the people of Japan now and in the future, and I support this motion.