Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement in relation to the earthquake in West Java and an earthquake in Solomon Islands.

Leave granted.

I thank the Senate and I thank my colleague Senator Birmingham for permitting us to do this. Can I start by saying the Australian government extends its deepest condolences to our neighbours in Indonesia following this morning's magnitude 5.6 earthquake in West Java. It is clear there has been substantial loss of life and property, and the thoughts of all of us are with those killed and injured and their loved ones. I have been in touch this morning with my Indonesian counterpart, Ibu Retno, and Australia stands ready to assist our Indonesian friends at this time. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is not currently aware of any Australians impacted.

In the past two hours we have also been informed of the magnitude 7 on the Richter scale earthquake off the coast of the Solomon Islands. The situation is unfolding. I am advised that all Australian government personnel are safe and accounted for. DFAT is seeking to confirm the safety of other Australians and their families in the Solomons.

There has been some minor damage to an annex building of Australia's high commission. Staff were also moved to higher ground in response to the tsunami warning that was issued. I am informed that the warning has now passed and that the high commission remains operational. I thank all those at the post for their work.

An Australian member of the Solomon Islands Assistance Force has been deployed to the National Disaster Management Office to assist in coordination. We are a steadfast friend and partner to Solomon Islands and we stand ready to support the Solomon Islands government's response, and I've expressed that to Minister Manele.

Anyone with concerns for any Australians in either West Java or Solomon Islands can contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300555135 from in Australia or on +61262613305 from outside Australia.