STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr ZAPPIA (Makin) (13:35): Earlier today I met with a Baptist ministry delegation, who spoke with me about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, where a combination of years of conflict, a recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake, widespread flooding and the collapse of US aid has left around 18 million people in need of humanitarian aid, 2.6 million people internally displaced, and 100,000-plus refugees facing food and medical shortages.

This is an issue I have previously brought to the attention of the House. The Baptist delegation had three asks of the Australian government: firstly, for Australia to deliver $110 million in emergency funding to Myanmar, including $7 million to restore health, food and education services for refugee camps in bordering countries; secondly, to increase to 5,000 the refugee intake from Myanmar; and, thirdly, to increase diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities in Myanmar and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in most need.

The situation in Myanmar is desperate. The Australian Baptist movement and other NGOs are providing incredible humanitarian assistance, but so much more is needed. Millions of people in Myanmar who are facing a life-threatening future are pleading for more Australian help, and I again bring their plight to the House's attention.