Stephen Smith (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: in the course of question time today I was advised that Airlines PNG has informed the relevant PNG authorities that Airlines PNG flight CG4684 from Port Moresby to Kokoda today, 11 August, has failed to arrive at its destination and is now considered missing. I am advised flight CG4684 was due to arrive at Kokoda today at 11.15 am Australian Eastern Standard Time. A search is now underway for the aircraft. I am advised that weather conditions are making that search very difficult. That search includes checks of other airfields in the vicinity.

The Australian high commissioner and his officers in our commission in Port Moresby are now urgently liaising with PNG authorities, doing everything they can to determine the whereabouts of the aircraft. Airlines PNG has advised that 13 people are on board flight CG4684: two crew and 11 passengers. We are, of course, concerned for all of the passengers and the crew but, given the destination, our fear and concern are that Australians may have been on board.

We will do everything we can to ascertain details. I will be in direct contact with our high commissioner after question time and I will do everything I can to inform the House of further details as they come to hand. I thank the shadow minister for foreign affairs for allowing me to give this advice to the House.