STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Ms PLIBERSEK (Sydney—Minister for Social Services) (16:18): I rise today to talk about the shocking events that we've seen recently in Nepal and Tibet. Many of us have watched with heartbreak and horror as Nepal and Tibet face one of the most devastating disasters in their history. The catastrophic floods and landslides that struck communities on the Nepal-Tibet border have claimed more than 1,000 lives.

Many more are missing. There are homes that have been destroyed as well as roads, businesses, bridges. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced.

Entire communities across Nepal and Tibet have been changed forever. We remain deeply worried about the 35 Australians who are still unaccounted for. Our government is doing what we can to help find these Australians while we support their families through this most difficult time.

Of course, it's a time that just becomes more difficult with each day that passes. For Australians of Nepali heritage, it is deeply personal. Behind every news report is a family waiting for a phone call; a student worried about their parents or grandparents in an affected city; a community carrying the emotional weight of uncertainty, grief and loss.

Sydney is home to a vibrant Nepali community. It's a community that enriches our city every day through hard work, entrepreneurship, education, culture and service. Nepali Australians are our neighbours, our colleagues, our classmates and our friends.

We know that many members of our Tibetan and broader Hindu communities are also experiencing immense grief at what has happened. Our government extends our deepest sympathies to all of those who are affected. The scale of the disaster is immense.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue across the region, while damaged infrastructure and ongoing risk from flooding and further landslides have made recovery very difficult. Humanitarian organisations have warned that many communities remain in urgent need of food, clean water, shelter and medical support. Our government is helping to meet this need, committing $11 million to humanitarian efforts and deploying close to 50 specialist response personnel, who are assisting with on-the-ground recovery efforts.

I think often about these people who go to disasters like this, taking skills that they've learnt in previous disasters, risking their lives. These specialist personnel include drone operators in a 15-person disaster assistance response team who are supporting rescue efforts through the use of advanced technology in deeply challenging terrain. We thank all of the Australians who've left home to go and support the recovery efforts.

In the face of this tragedy, we continue to see remarkable courage. We've seen first responders risking their lives to save others. We've seen volunteers delivering aid to isolated communities.

Here in Australia, everyday Australians have shown their generosity and empathy, donating over $4 million so far to the Emergency Action Alliance. Our government is matching these donations with a further $5 million contribution to Emergency Action Alliance. It is really important that people are careful, when they donate, that they are donating to organisations that will see the money get through to those who need it.

Unfortunately, whenever there is a disaster like this, we see false organisations and people who are prepared to deliberately scam people who, from the very best motivations, want to support the disaster overseas. So please make sure you're using a verified way of donating money. I recommend Emergency Action Alliance because that is a group of charities and not-for-profit organisations that have come together and will work together to make sure that the aid gets where it's needed.

As the recovery continues, of course, rebuilding will be the next giant task. Homes can be rebuilt, roads can be repaired and infrastructure can be restored, but healing communities requires more than bricks and concrete. So many people will have lost loved ones.

It will require our continued compassion, connection and sustained support. Our government stands ready to provide further assistance and will be closely monitoring the support needs of our community here in Australia. We stand together with the people of Nepal, Tibet and the Nepali community here in Sydney as they navigate this extraordinarily difficult time.

Together we can ensure that hope endures, that recovery is possible and that no-one faces this tragedy alone. I commend the motion to the House.