Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Reynolds for the question. On 26 February, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea, and since then aftershocks have impacted on the region. The UN has estimated the earthquakes have tragically left over 125 people dead and affected half a million people, with over 270,000 people in need of immediate humanitarian assistance.

As a close neighbour, we are deeply saddened by the devastation and the loss of life. We are playing a significant role supporting the PNG government's relief efforts, through emergency supplies and specialist personnel, transport and distribution in affected areas. These efforts are assisting to help affected communities re-establish their livelihoods, repair and rebuild infrastructure, and restore water and sanitation.

The foreign minister is currently in Papua New Guinea and has seen firsthand the extensive damage caused as well as the critical assistance and support that Australia is providing. Yesterday she announced an additional $3.4 million in humanitarian assistance, which will bring our total earthquake response to $5 million. This includes $3 million for Australian and PNG non-government organisations that are active in the Highlands region to support recovery in sectors like agriculture and health. As part of our package, we are also providing support to vulnerable women and children in the affected areas. We're also assisting with electrical transformers to re-establish reliable power supplies in the affected provinces. There are humanitarian supplies, and an AUSMAT, an Australian medical assistance team, is assisting with the coordination of help to the affected areas. I also commend the work that the Australian Defence Force have done. They have played a vital role, as they always do, by helping to transport over 300 tonnes of Australian and partner humanitarian supplies we have deployed. (Time expired)