STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms FERNANDO (Holt) (13:50): Thirty-six Australians remain unaccounted for, following the disastrous floods in Nepal and Tibet. For their families, every hour without news brings greater uncertainty. Australian officials are working around the clock with Nepalese and Chinese authorities to locate those missing and support their loved ones.

The scale of this disaster is immense. More than 1,300 people have lost their lives, thousands remain missing, and entire communities have been cut off. Australia is standing with Nepal at this incredibly difficult time.

The Albanese Labor government has sent 47 personnel to support search and recovery efforts, with seven more to follow. An Australian drone team is also helping search in areas that remain difficult to reach. We are providing $11 million in humanitarian assistance for food, emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation and health care.

This tragedy is also being felt across Holt. Our strong and proud Nepalese community has deep connections to the affected areas. Many local families are anxiously waiting for news of relatives and friends.

To our Nepalese community in Holt: may God give you strength and comfort. Australia stands with you and will continue supporting Nepal through the search and recovery and the long road ahead.