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

As commercial flights became more difficult to access, our government stepped in to work directly with airlines and with partners to secure seats for Australians. Over the weekend, we built on this, with Australian government assisted departure flights. So far, 1,215 Australians, permanent residents and their immediate family members have been assisted by this government to depart Lebanon on six flights. I particularly want to thank Australian government personnel involved in this effort, including Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff in Beirut, in Cyprus and all those working here in Australia in the crisis centre. Just as we saw with the assisted departure flights from Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, these staff act with professionalism, courtesy and kindness in challenging circumstances. I thank them for their work. (Time expired)