Tim Storer (SA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I inform the chamber that Senator Wong will also sponsor the motion. I, and also on behalf of Senator Wong, move:

That the Senate:

(a) expresses its deepest sympathy, support and solidarity for all those impacted by the devastating earthquakes in Lombok, Indonesia;

(b) notes the shocking loss of life, with 460 casualties in the earthquake on 5 August 2018, and at least 10 casualties from the 19 August 2018 earthquake, and that these earthquakes, aftershocks and subsequent landslides, have caused further injuries, destruction and devastation for the region;

(c) recognises the contribution the Indonesian community has made, and continues to make, to Australia, and the importance of the friendship between our two nations; and

(d) calls on the Australian Government to continue to offer support to the Indonesian authorities in the rescue and reconstruction effort, and to all others impacted by this tragedy.

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 expresses its sympathies to those affected by earthquakes in Lombok that have struck since 29 July and most recently on 19 August. As at 21 August, over 500 people had been killed, with more than 1,300 injured and more than 431,000 displaced. The Australian government has provided $530,000 to the Indonesian Red Cross and other humanitarian partners to provide much-needed assistance, including water, shelter and support to pregnant women and newborns. Australia is also deploying a team of disaster recovery specialists to assess damage to critical infrastructure and help local authorities rebuild.

Question agreed to.