Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the dangerous spread of the Ebola virus in parts of West Africa, that has infected more than 5 500 people, and caused the deaths of more than 2 600, and

(ii) the major threat that this outbreak poses to international peace and security;

(b) applauds the efforts of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Cuba, all of which have provided medical teams and aid to help combat the disease;

(c) raises concern That the Australian Government has ignored calls from Médecins Sans Frontières for countries, including Australia, to evaluate their emergency medical and logistics capacity and make a contribution beyond financial support; and

(d) urges the Australian Government to contribute to the fight against Ebola on the ground through the provision and support of scientific, medical and humanitarian personnel.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—The Australian government is concerned about the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa. The government has committed $8 million to the international response effort to date. In addition, the Australian government is providing $40 million to the World Health Organisation in 2014 and 2015 to support their global work. The Australian government has assessed that at this stage financial contribution is the best way Australia can make a rapid contribution to the global response and support in-country, frontline health services. We understand the natural wish of people to assist. However, as has been outlined by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia does not currently have the capacity to evacuate its nationals from the region at this time. It would be not responsible to send Australians to affected countries without being able to ensure their evacuation.

Question agreed to.