Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Wortley for her question. Firstly, let me put on record the Gillard government’s and the Australian people’s thoughts and best wishes for the people of Japan as they work through and recover from the devastation of the earthquakes and the tsunami.

Secondly, can I say that this tragedy has seen a clear demonstration of cross-party support by members of parliament for the work undertaken by Australia’s consular staff and search and rescue support teams in assisting both Australian and Japanese citizens in the affected areas that they have been operating in. Today the Prime Minister announced that the Australian government will make a $10 million donation to support the recovery efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. The donation will be made to the Red Cross Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal on the advice of the Japanese government.

Our most up-to-date consular statistics confirm that there have been no reports of Australian casualties, that 4,836 Australians in Japan have been confirmed as safe, including 438 who are in tsunami and quake affected areas, and that 10,772 calls have been received in Canberra. While these statistics are pleasing, we still have five Australians unaccounted for at this stage. We must, however, remember in our thoughts the many thousands who have lost family, friends and loved ones.