STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator KOVACIC (New South Wales) (13:30): I wish to acknowledge the devastating flooding and landslides that have struck Nepal and surrounding areas and the devastating human toll that this disaster has taken. To the people of Nepal and particularly to the Nepalese Australian community watching events unfold from here at home, I want to extend my deepest sympathies.

Australia is home to a proud, hardworking and deeply connected Nepalese community. For many, these are not distant images on a television screen. These are the places that they grew up in, the communities they know and the people that they love.

I know there will be many Australians desperately waiting for news of family members and friends, and our thoughts are with them during what must be an extraordinarily anxious time. I also acknowledge the Australians who have been caught up in this disaster and their families here waiting at home. The scale of this tragedy is another reminder of just how vulnerable communities across the Himalayan region can be to extreme weather and natural disasters.

And, while we must focus first and foremost on the human toll, we cannot ignore the environmental factors contributing to the increasing danger faced by communities in this region, including that of intense rainfall, changing weather patterns and the pressures being placed upon fragile Himalayan environments. Understanding those factors, strengthening resilience and improving disaster preparedness will be essential to protecting lives in the years ahead.

To those who have lost their loved ones, we offer our deepest condolences. To those still waiting for news: our thoughts are with you. To the communities now beginning the long task of recovery: Australia will continue to stand beside you.

And to our Australian Nepalese community, once again: I thank you for your contribution to our country and for coming here to make a better life. We stand with you as you worry about your families at home.