Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I know that this is distressing, not only to all Australians but particularly to members of the Turkish-Australian and Syrian communities, particularly to those with loved ones in the areas. I thought Senator Birmingham's contribution yesterday, where he spoke about their experience, was very moving.

Australian diplomatic missions in Ankara, Beirut and Istanbul are working closely with local authorities to ascertain the welfare of our citizens. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance, including to the families of four Australians who were in the region at the time of the earthquake and, I regret to say, at this stage remain unaccounted for. Obviously, their safety is our immediate priority, and consular officials in Ankara are working with local authorities and others on the ground to assist them. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to provide consular assistance to around 40 other Australians and their families who were in the earthquake area. (Time expired)