Federation Chamber (part 3 of 3)
8 September 2026
Contents updated on 8 Sept 2026
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Federation Chamber Australian Parliament
00:00 - 02:36
Speaker 5
to support the humanitarian response. We've committed $11 million to this response. The Australian public have also shown extraordinary generosity with more than $4 million being donated to the Emergency Action Appeal. It builds on Australia's long history of support for Nepal during times of crisis, including the response that was provided to the 2015 earthquakes. We're also working closely with Chinese authorities on the Tibetan side of the border.
Our embassy in Beijing, led by our ambassador Scott Dewar, is in regular contact with China's officials. We've offered assistance, and whilst China has indicated they can manage the response at this stage, they've expressed appreciation for Australia's support. Communication difficulties across the region caused by damaged infrastructure have made information flows challenging, but our officials are doing everything possible to obtain accurate updates. Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has reported more than 1,300 confirmed deaths and nearly 5,000 people missing, including 587 foreign nationals. China's official figures also reflect significant loss of life and large numbers of missing persons.
Speaker, these numbers are heartbreaking. They underscore the magnitude of the challenge ahead. In times like these, the strength of international cooperation becomes clear. Rescue teams, government, NGOs, and communities are working together across borders, languages, and landscapes, and Australia is proud to contribute to that effort. Here in Australia, the impact of the disaster has been felt deeply within the Nepalese and Tibetan communities.
Last week, I hosted a series of online roundtables with community leaders to provide updates, answer questions, and offer Australia's support. The distress within these communities is profound. Many have family and friends in the affected areas, many are waiting for news, many are supporting one another through fear, uncertainty, and grief. I attended a vigil in Strathfield with members of the Nepalese community to express our solidarity and unity. It was a moving and solemn gathering.
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