Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to offer my heartfelt sympathies to the people of Vanuatu. As with any natural disaster, the estimates about the loss of lives, injuries, displacement and damage bills are constantly changing and constantly in a state of flux. It will be some weeks before we have a true picture of the devastation caused by Cyclone Pam.

The Hinkler region owes much to the people of Vanuatu and our other island neighbours. It is widely recognised that without Australian South Sea Islanders, or Kanakas, our sugar industry would not be what it is today. The sugar industry almost single-handedly created the Bundaberg economy. There are thousands of Kanaka descendants living in Australia. An official number has not been established. In the 2011 census, just 132 Hinkler residents identified as being of Australian South Sea Islander descent. Clearly, there are many more than that. That is why last year I called for greater recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct ethnic minority group.

I worked in the sugar industry from a young age, hearing stories about the backbreaking work they did. They deserve our support. The ADF has commenced operations from RAAF bases Amberley and Richmond to deliver critical humanitarian aid and disaster relief supplies to Port Vila. We have committed $5 million to non-government organisations, such as the Red Cross, and we have deployed many people, including medical and consular experts.

Jane and Geoff Smith from the Bundaberg ASSI community are working to facilitate donations of goods. As soon as information is available about how to donate, I will be sure to spread the word. I encourage all Hinkler residents to do their bit.