Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. The situation in Turkiye and also in Syria continues to deteriorate. What else will the government do to assist those in affected areas?

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

Thank you, Senator Sheldon, for the question. I know I speak for all in this chamber when I say that we have been watching the heartbreaking scenes from Turkiye and Syria with horror.

Yesterday, as I indicated to the chamber, the Prime Minister announced an initial commitment of $10 million in humanitarian aid to support the people affected. I'm also pleased to announce that earlier today, following advice from my department, I agreed to activate an AUSASSISTPLAN to deploy an urban search-and-rescue team of up to 72 personnel to Turkiye to assist local authorities. Our National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, is now conducting an urgent assessment to ensure the safety of Australian personnel. NEMA is working closely with Fire and Rescue NSW, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the ADF to coordinate the deployment as soon as possible. These are urban search-and-rescue specialists, highly trained to locate, deliver medical assistance to, and remove victims who've been trapped or impacted by a structural collapse.

These are extremely difficult times. I think all of us have been horrified by the scenes of devastation and the stories of human tragedy that we're witnessing. There is also so much heroism and compassion for one's fellow man, woman and child that is on display in these areas, which have already been so devastated in many cases. If we are able to assist, notwithstanding that we are a long way away, I'm sure all of us would want the government to support our personnel to engage in such assistance.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, a first supplementary question?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister update the Senate on assistance being provided to Australians and their loved ones impacted by the unfolding emergency?

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

I know that this is distressing, not only to all Australians but particularly to members of the Turkish-Australian and Syrian communities, particularly to those with loved ones in the areas. I thought Senator Birmingham's contribution yesterday, where he spoke about their experience, was very moving.

Australian diplomatic missions in Ankara, Beirut and Istanbul are working closely with local authorities to ascertain the welfare of our citizens. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance, including to the families of four Australians who were in the region at the time of the earthquake and, I regret to say, at this stage remain unaccounted for. Obviously, their safety is our immediate priority, and consular officials in Ankara are working with local authorities and others on the ground to assist them. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to provide consular assistance to around 40 other Australians and their families who were in the earthquake area. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, a second supplementary question?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister provide an update to the Senate on how Australia's initial contribution is assisting those on the ground?

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

Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced, as I said, the initial $10 million contribution in humanitarian aid. Today, I can provide some update to senators about how these resources are being used and are intended to be used. UNICEF have commenced assessment of water infrastructure and health infrastructure damage. They have dispatched more than 1,000 prepositioned water sanitation and hygiene kits and are prepositioning another 10,000 kits. UNICEF is also leading the education response for displaced families seeking shelter in schools. Local Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have been assisting with search and rescue, transportation to hospitals and first aid, and distribution of essential non-food items. We will continue to work with partners to do all that is possible to assist those affected by this tragedy.