Mr CIOBO (2:46 PM) —My question is addressed to the Minister for Ageing representing the Minister for Health and Ageing. Would the minister outline to the House, the Australian government's humanitarian response to the emergency medical needs of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Bali?

Mr ANDREWS (Minister for Ageing) —I thank the member for Moncrieff for his question. As indicated previously to the House and announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australia's chief contribution to the humanitarian aid has been the $300,000 emergency assistance to Indonesia's health services in Bali, consisting of a $200,000 grant to the Indonesian Red Cross and related medical services, and around another $100,000 worth of medical consumables, including intravenous fluids, antibiotic injections and sterile bandages that have been requested. AusAID, the Australian government's international aid agency, is being informed by Australia's embassy officials in Indonesia as to the country's humanitarian response to emergency aid arising from this attack. In turn, AusAID is providing advice to Australian government departments on appropriate medical support, including the importance of checking with the authorities in Bali if the items and services are needed and can be utilised.

Initial Australian funded medical supplies arrived on a Qantas flight and additional flights are anticipated. Items that have been provided include sterile bandages, IV fluids, analgesics and burns creams, which have been dispatched to hospitals. I also understand the Australian government is exploring a request from the Indonesian plastic surgery foundation for essential equipment. If this is endorsed by the Indonesian authorities, it will be supplied.

We are continuing to monitor the situation closely, including the need for additional humanitarian items. Considerable quantities of medical supplies are arriving in Bali from private contributions and other donors. The largest quantities are actually coming from Australia. There is a real risk of inappropriate items swamping the Bali services, and refrigeration of perishable items is an issue. I understand that with Indonesia's own response and that of other donors and private contributions, additional material is not warranted at precisely this time.

Many Australians are asking themselves the very real question: what can I do and how can I help in this circumstance? One way in which they can help, if they are able to, is by making a cash donation. This can be done through a number of appeals such as the Australian Red Cross appeal line, which people can contact on 1800 811 700, or the Overseas Pharmaceutical Aid for Life in Adelaide, which is accepting cash donations as well. There are also obviously a number of other national teams overseas, but this is one way in which Australians can contribute in this circumstance.

I will add one further piece of information which really responds to the question asked to me earlier by the member for Greenway. In response to his question about travel and accommodation, the government will pay air fares and accommodation costs to enable Australians injured in Bali and recovering in hospital in Australia to be reunited with family members. This is for families who live a long way from hospitals where their injured relatives are being treated and where they would have difficulty paying for the air travel and accommodation. These matters are being coordinated through the Department of Family and Community Services and details of the ex gratia payment will be appropriately communicated to the victims' families. The Commonwealth is considering other measures that may be put in place to address other domestic issues as they arise. There is a toll-free number which family members can use if they wish to access this facility or obtain further information. For the benefit of members and the Australian public generally, the number is 1800 002 214.