STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Ms FRANCE (Dickson) (17:56): I join with my colleagues in this place, MPs and senators from all sides, to extend on behalf of the people of Dickson my deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and have been impacted by the devastation in Nepal, Tibet and China. Thousands have been lost and thousands are still missing, including 35 Australians.

The scenes that we've seen online and on TV have been devastating to watch. Our consular officials are working around the clock to find missing Australians. Australia has deployed 49 officers to the region to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts, and I thank those people for their efforts.

I want to acknowledge the contribution of Queensland Fire Department officers Dale McVeigh and Matt Herbert, who have deployed to Nepal as part of Australia's disaster assistance response team. Using specialist drone technology to assist search, rescue and recovery operations, they embody the very, very best of the Queensland spirit, stepping forward to help others in their time of greatest need.

We have also committed a total of $11 million in humanitarian assistance, supporting emergency shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, health care and other essential supplies, and that includes the Australian government matching the generosity of everyday Australians, who have dug deep, donating $4.5 million to the Emergency Action Alliance, demonstrating the strength of the friendship between Aussies and the people of Nepal.

We look after our friends and neighbours in times of hardship. In the face of disaster, ordinary people step forward to help complete strangers, offering whatever support they can to those in need. Dickson is home to a growing Nepalese community, and many local families have close ties to those affected.

In this difficult time, our thoughts are with them as they worry for loved ones and support family and friends from afar. Rajan, a long-time Dickson resident, is preparing to travel to Nepal this week. While he was relieved to learn that his loved ones are safe, he spoke of the many, many people who remain missing and the deep grief being felt across affected communities.

He reflected on the absolute heartbreak of witnessing such devastation from afar. His wife, Samchita, is currently in Nepal, and, while she is a considerable distance from the affected area, their story is a reminder that tragedies like these are felt not only overseas but here in our local communities as well. Australians—in particular, Queenslanders—understand all too well the devastation that natural disasters can bring, whether it be floods, cyclones or bushfires.

We know the heartbreak of lives being lost, homes being destroyed and communities being changed forever. We also know that recovery does not end when the headlines fade. For many families, rebuilding takes years, and the mental anguish and grief endures.

In times like these, Australia will always stand ready to assist our neighbours and friends. On behalf of the people of Dickson, I thank all Australians and defence personnel involved in this humanitarian effort for their courage, professionalism and service. While the scenes of destruction are heartbreaking, we have also seen countless acts of courage, kindness and solidarity.

Neighbours helping neighbours, families opening their homes to those displaced and volunteers dedicating their time to assist recovery efforts remind us that, even in humanity's darkest moments, there are rays of light. At times like these, it is important that we recognise not only those who have lost their lives but also the emergency workers, volunteers, healthcare professionals and community leaders who continue to assist those affected for their courage and selflessness.

To all those mourning loved ones, rebuilding homes and communities and working tirelessly to support those affected, we stand with you. The people of Australia send our friendship, solidarity and heartfelt condolences.