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

I thank Senator Fawcett. That is an important question, given that the full impact of the cyclone is not yet clear, because power and communications remain down right across the country, and that makes challenging the identification of particular areas of need. As the situation becomes clearer the ADF stands ready to provide further assistance to support Fiji's relief and recovery efforts, as they may request.

Australia does have some additional capabilities that may be of assistance. One of those in particular would be HMAS Canberra, one of the Navy's new LHD amphibious vessels. It is on standby should the Fiji government request it. HMAS Canberra has a very significant medical support capacity and can also transport heavy earthmoving equipment should that be needed by the Fiji government. We will continue to plan with the Fiji government and with New Zealand, in particular, to ensure that we are able to provide the quickest possible response to any further requests from Fiji.