Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes with concern two recent natural disasters – monsoon rains which have flooded Bangladesh, India and Nepal, and Tropical Storm Harvey in the Unites States of America (USA);

(b) is further concerned that 43 million people have been affected by the flooding in South Asia, particularly those in Bangladesh, where more than two-thirds of the country is underwater, and that the costs of Tropical Storm Harvey, the most extreme rain event in USA history, could add up to US$180 billion;

(c) expresses sympathy for the loved ones of the more than 1200 killed in South Asia and the more than 60 killed in Houston;

(d) notes that extreme weather events, such as the South Asian monsoonal flooding and Tropical Storm Harvey, will become worse as the climate changes; and

(e) welcomes the announcement that the Australian Government will provide $2 million to the international relief effort in Nepal, but urges the Government to provide further humanitarian assistance to other countries affected in the region.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government offers its condolences to all those families affected by these crises. Australia is closely monitoring the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh and Myanmar and the impact of natural disasters across the world, including Tropical Storm Harvey in the United States and the effects of monsoonal flooding in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. In response to a request for international assistance from the government of Nepal, Australia's $2 million contribution to the relief effort will assist 5,900 children under the age of five and 1,600 pregnant and nursing mothers. In addition, Australia is providing essential hygiene supplies and health services to 6,600 women and girls.

Question agreed to.