Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

My question is also addressed to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs and it relates to the deteriorating situation in Darfur. I ask the minister: what efforts are being made by the Australian government in the form of contributions to the peacekeeping effort, both currently and in future? What support will the government provide, say, in terms of funding, technical assistance or troop deployments? I acknowledge the government’s provision of more than $40 million already in humanitarian assistance, but I ask whether the minister is aware of recent reports that suggest that this funding may provide little assistance if peacekeeping efforts cannot be reorganised and strengthened so that that money can be used.