John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bishop for his interest and concern in relation to this matter. Over the weekend the government asked Qantas to operate special flights for Australians stranded in Bangkok who wanted to come home. Obviously we appreciate the fact that Qantas has agreed to assist Australians, and a Qantas Airbus will leave Phuket early tomorrow morning. The flight will carry around 300 passengers, both Qantas passengers and other Australians holding tickets from other carriers. I can inform the Senate that arrangements are continuing with Qantas on the possibility of a further flight. This is part of the considerable consular and logistic plan the government has in place to assist Australians during the unfolding political tensions in Thailand. It goes without saying that our primary concern is for Australians’ safety and welfare, both for those who want to leave Thailand and for those Australians who remain in Thailand itself.

I can say that we are increasingly frustrated with the situation in Thailand and recognise that it is also very frustrating for the hundreds of stranded and, I think it is fair to say, distressed Australians. Our embassy in Bangkok has set up a call centre and has spoken to over 3,000 people so far to provide advice and to respond to the concerns and difficulties that Australian tourists are facing. We have deployed consular officials on the ground who are assisting Australians by helping those who need medical assistance, helping elderly passengers who have particular difficulties and assisting parents in distress with young children. (Time expired)