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

I thank Senator Paterson for his question. The government's immediate focus is the evacuation from Kabul of Australians and their families and of Afghans with Australian visas. The scenes that we continue to see in Afghanistan are highly distressing and our thoughts are with the Afghan people. The National Security Committee of cabinet continues to meet every day on this matter. As the Leader of the Government in the Senate has indicated, our officials are working tirelessly on the evacuation, which is moving hundreds of people from Afghanistan every day. I want to thank those senators and members and advocates who are doing the same thing to support so many people in Afghanistan.

In recent days, we have been able to run about four flights per 24-hour period. Last night five Australian ADF flights carried approximately 955 people, which brings to approximately 2,650 the total number of people evacuated since 18 August. This includes Australian and New Zealand nationals, visa holders and citizens of other nations with whom we are cooperating. The government reiterates our thanks to the officials involved, including those from my Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Defence Force and the Department of Home Affairs. Each person evacuated is a demonstration of their dedication.

There are very difficult scenes outside Hamid Karzai International Airport. People, including women and children, are waiting for days amongst crowds numbering in the thousands. Our officials are using every means possible to assist Australian citizens and visa holders—phoning and emailing directly, as well as providing regular updates on Smartraveller. Australia continues to work with partners across all aspects of the operation, and we thank them for their cooperation.