Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett very much for his question and particularly acknowledge his longstanding interest in defence issues and, in this instance, particularly in our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief work.

Our thoughts are with the people of Fiji following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Winston over the weekend, which has caused severe damage in the Pacific. This cyclone is the strongest tropical cyclone ever recorded to make landfall in Fiji, with reports of widespread destruction and devastation and, tragically, the death of 17 people. I want to acknowledge the government of Fiji for their work in putting in place a number of precautionary measures to protect their citizens and endeavour to limit the damage. Early assessments indicate that those measures have helped to reduce the loss of life.

I am pleased to say that Defence is working quickly with other Australian government agencies to ensure a coordinated response to this natural disaster. We are also working with our friends in New Zealand in the response process. I can confirm that Australia will provide MRH90 helicopters to assist Fiji to carry out assessments and provide relief to the outlying islands in particular affected by the cyclone.

The initial movement of advance elements departs today from RAAF Base Amberley and will provide the personnel necessary to assist the government of Fiji and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. These initial elements will be deployed by C17A Globemaster and will arrive in Fiji this afternoon. Australia also has two AP3C Orion aircraft on standby in the region that can be activated at short notice, if that is requested by the government of Fiji, and they are able to assist with aerial surveillance of affected areas.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, spoke this morning with his Fijian counterpart, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Naupoto— (Time expired)