MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Hunt
A unique photographic exhibition reflecting Australia's commitment to helping people affected by natural disasters and conflict will today be unveiled in Sydney.
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Greg Hunt, said the exhibition, Relief in Sight: Australia's International Disaster Response in Pictures, places a human face on Australia's emergency assistance.
'Sixty-eight compelling and confronting photographs capture the impact of natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies and the crucial role of Australian aid workers and volunteers in responding to these crises,' Mr Hunt said.
'Relief in Sight demonstrates Australia's role as a regional leader in providing critical humanitarian and emergency relief.
'A recent example of our contribution was the provision of $3 million to assist Solomon Islands after it was hit by an earthquake and tsunami on 2 April this year.
'An estimated 20,000 people were affected, with approximately 5,000 displaced and 52 deaths. Our assistance included sending medical teams, medical supplies and a mobile environmental team to help with disease prevention, including sanitation.
'Australia was also instrumental in the provision of aid following the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. We contributed $71 million to Aceh for initial humanitarian and emergency relief. In addition, we provided $181 million to restore services and infrastructure, including the main provincial port and hospital in Banda Aceh.
'Next financial year, the Australian Government will provide an estimated $280 million to support humanitarian, emergency and refugee programs.'
Mr Hunt said the exhibition was a tribute to the many people involved in Australia's emergency aid and reconstruction efforts, such as AusAID's Allison Sudradjat, who died tragically in the Garuda plane crash in March this year, along with DFAT's Liz O'Neill and three other Australians.
'Allison was in charge of the $1 billion assistance package to support Indonesia's reconstruction and development efforts, both in and beyond tsunami-affected areas. Her efforts, and those of her colleagues, are helping to save the lives of millions of people.
'I encourage all Australians to visit the exhibition as it tours more than 60 cities and towns, and see first hand the importance of Australia's emergency response for people in our region,' Mr Hunt said. More information can be found at: www.reliefinsight.com.au
Media contacts:
John Deller (Mr Hunt's Office) on 0400 496 596
AusAID (Public Affairs) on 0417 680 590