Mr BRERETON (2:08 PM) —My question is directed to the Prime Minister. In light of the increased anarchy in Suva and the imminent prospective evacuation of New South Wales police from Fiji, can you assure the parliament that full preparations are under way for the possible evacuation of Australian nationals from Fiji? Is any provision being made for the possible evacuation of Fijian citizens whose lives may be under threat?

Mr SPEAKER —The Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Mr DOWNER (Minister for Foreign Affairs) —The short answer to that question is that the government has been working on contingency plans for the evacuation of people from Fiji. In addition to that, the honourable member asks about Fijian citizens. We would have to look at that on a case by case basis, but inevitably the government does have contingency plans. We hope it will not be necessary to implement those contingency plans; but, as has been the case in previous situations—in East Timor and Cambodia—over the last three years, we have a plan ready to put into action quickly if the worst comes to the worst.