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

I thank Senator Fawcett. This is a really important question because Australia has a vital role as a transport hub between the Pacific and, usually, the world, but at the moment it's very focused, with our Pacific counterparts and Australia agreeing to establish a pathway for humanitarian, technical and medical supplies. This humanitarian corridor is absolutely essential to delivering life-saving supplies in response also to Tropical Cyclone Harold, which has of course compounded the impact of COVID-19 in the Solomon Islands, in Tonga, in Vanuatu and in Fiji. So we are standing with our Pacific partners as they also move to repair the damage caused by TC Harold.

We have ensured our diplomats, the Australian Federal Police, defence personnel and humanitarian workers have been able to remain in place to support the delivery of key services. The corridor is also facilitating the return of Pacific island and Timorese nationals to their home countries, including from places as far afield as West Africa. (Time expired)