Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Wong and Singh, I move:

That the Senate:

(a) expresses its deepest sympathy to the people affected by the devastating floods in southern India's Kerala state;

(b) notes that more than 350 people have died, and 800,000 have been displaced by one of the worst floods in the history of Kerala, and that aid agencies are reporting massive destruction and fears that the death toll could climb, as hundreds of thousands are denied access to clean water, sanitation and food and shelter;

(c) acknowledges the generous efforts by the Indian community in Australia, and the wider diaspora, to assist with the relief effort, and offers support and sympathy to the Australian Indian community as they respond to this unprecedented natural disaster;

(d) acknowledges the significant response effort underway by the Indian authorities; and

(e) calls on the Australian Government to provide any assistance the Indian Government may require to help the people of Kerala in their immediate hour of need, and in the longer term, to recover from this disaster and rebuild their homes and their lives.

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.

Scott Ryan (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 extends its deepest sympathy to those affected by flooding in southern India. The government expresses our condolences at the loss of life and damage caused by the flooding. We stand ready to provide humanitarian assistance, should it be requested.

Question agreed to.