SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
THE HON PAT CONROY MP
MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE PACIFIC
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
The Australian Government will provide an additional $4.35 million to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin.
This includes $3.5 million to partners in Vanuatu through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and Australian Red Cross. This will support people currently in evacuation centres and provide essential items and services for affected communities.
The Australian Government will also provide additional logistics expertise to support the Government of Vanuatu’s coordination of further assessments, response and immediate recovery plans.
HMAS Canberra has arrived in Port Vila, with 600 Australian Defence Personnel, Chinook helicopters, medical facilities and humanitarian supplies, to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response.
Two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft are already in Vanuatu assisting with aerial surveillance and assessments.
Australia’s response is being delivered in close coordination with the Government of Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office, ensuring Australian support and supplies are delivered where they are needed most.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“This announcement and deployment builds on Australia’s longstanding disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance activities in Vanuatu and across the region.
“In times of crisis, the Pacific family can rely on Australia to work with them.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu as the devastating impact of the cyclones becomes clearer.”
“By coordinating closely with the Government of Vanuatu, and delivering support through respected agencies on the ground, this additional assistance will reach those in Vanuatu who need it the most.”
Note to media: Imagery of the Australian Government’s support to Vanuatu is available via the Defence Image Gallery: https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20230460
Media Contacts:
Foreign Minister’s Office: +61 2 6277 7500
Minister Conroy’s Office: +61 2 6277 7840
Authorised by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia.
