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

I seek leave to move a motion relating to the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Leave granted.

It is very difficult to do this following the condolence motion in relation to Japan we just carried. But, as we know, a terrible situation occurred in New Zealand just prior to that. I move:

That the Senate––

(a)

express its condolences at the tragic loss of life and damage to property suffered by the people of New Zealand in the Christchurch earthquake;

(b)

extend its profound sympathies to the families and friends of the Australians who lives have been lost in this tragedy;

(c)

express its gratitude and admiration to the Australian police and emergency response personnel who are assisting the recovery effort; and

(d)

pledge any further help that may be required as New Zealand undertakes the process of recovery and rebuilding.

We now have the opportunity to reflect on the earthquake in New Zealand. The parliament had two minutes silence the last time we sat, but now we have much better information as to the extent of the damage that that earthquake delivered to New Zealand. The earthquake that struck Christchurch on 21 February saw that city and nation confront its darkest days in modern times. The quake struck at 12.51 pm local time and caused the deaths of at least 166 people and injuries to many more. The number of confirmed deaths caused by the Christchurch earthquake is likely to rise beyond 180. Twelve nationalities are among the list of victims released by the New Zealand police. A long-term Australian resident of New Zealand nationality and an Australian citizen who lived in Christchurch were among those who died. On behalf of the government, the Senate and the Australian people, I extend my deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones in this terrible earthquake.

The bonds between Australia and New Zealand are deep and lasting. In the week before the disaster the Prime Minister travelled to Wellington to address members of the New Zealand parliament. During that address, Prime Minister Gillard observed that:

… Australia has many alliances and friendships around the world … But New Zealand alone is family.

The shock and sadness experienced by our nation in the wake of the Christchurch catastrophe gave life to the Prime Minister’s description of our enduring relationship. The strength of the relationship was underlined when the Senate and the House of Representatives had two minutes silence on 1 March. Last Friday the Governor-General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition represented the nation in sorrow at the national memorial service in Christchurch, further underlining the strength of our common bond.

Australia and New Zealand have long been partners in shared endeavours in this part of the world and beyond. The story of Anzac was born during the First World War and generations of our soldiers have since honoured it with their deeds on the battlefield. As a rugby man, I can testify that while we have been the fiercest of opponents on the sporting the field, we have been the firmest of friends off it. The resolve of the people of Christchurch is reflected in the continuing success of their rugby team despite the adversity of the times.

We have always helped each other in times of need. At the beginning of this year a New Zealand civil defence response team came to Australia to assist us with our recovery efforts following the Queensland floods. In response to the Christchurch earthquake, Australian search and rescue teams, police officers and Defence Force personnel were deployed to New Zealand to support the response and rescue effort. Police officers from the Australian Federal Police and from every state and territory formed part of the Christchurch earthquake police operation. The overall Australian effort at the height of the crisis involved more than 600 people. I acknowledge and express my gratitude to the Australian personnel who have gone to the aid of our New Zealand friends. I also thank staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other agencies, including Centrelink, who provided support and assistance to Australians affected by the earthquake.

In addition to the tragic loss of life, the earthquake has destroyed and damaged tens of thousands of homes and businesses in Christchurch, as well as essential public infrastructure. Many New Zealanders are displaced from their homes and work, and the task of rebuilding Christchurch—New Zealand’s second-most populous city—lies ahead. The road ahead will not be easy. They are still suffering from aftershocks, which must be terrifying for those in the city.

But New Zealanders will recover from this catastrophe and Australians will be by their sides. Many Australians have already reached across the Tasman to lend a hand, and Australian business and individuals have made generous donations to appeals established to assist New Zealanders affected by the earthquake. The Australian government has made a $5 million donation to the New Zealand Red Cross to help with the earthquake recovery effort. There is of course much more to be done, but I know that the Australian government, our parliament and our people will stand ready to assist New Zealand with its recovery in any way that we can. We can reassure New Zealanders they will always have our support.