Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Firstly, I begin by acknowledging the statement by Senator Bragg and thank him for his courage in being able to come forward from the Liberal Party and show his support for the Voice in terms of the referendum in the hope that there will be a 'yes' vote to see the Voice enshrined in the Constitution. Thank you, Senator Bragg. We certainly hear what you're saying and the comments that you've made. We're also very welcoming of your stance here in the Senate and in the Liberal Party.

I would also like to pay my deepest respects and sympathy on behalf of the people of the Northern Territory to the people who are suffering terribly in Turkiye and Syria. We've seen the news and we've seen the incredible rescue efforts. We note that over 11,000 people so far have had their lives taken by the earthquake over there, which was 7.8 on the Richter scale. I am very pleased to know that the Australian government is providing an initial $10 million in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the devastating earthquakes that have struck Turkiye and Syria.

My thoughts also go out to those families here in Australia who are waiting for news of their loved ones. It's a terribly difficult time and I also know that there are no doubt families in the Northern Territory wondering what's happening and looking back to Turkiye and Syria. So I just wanted to put on the record that our thoughts are with the families both here in Australia and in Turkiye and Syria.