Mr BAIRD (3:38 PM) —I rise to support this motion on the situation in Sudan and also to congratulate the member for Melbourne Ports for bringing it into the House. The motion is similar to one I had prepared for the same day, so I am very glad we combine it and express the views of both sides of the House in condemning the Sudanese government for allowing this incredible humanitarian disaster to proceed. We call on governments around the world and the UN to take rapid action to minimise the number of deaths. We know that 30,000 to 50,000 people have already died in Sudan and that that number significantly increases each day. It is true to say that, unless significant aid is introduced into the region, more lives will be lost and it is possible that we could see as many as one million people die in that area. The motion calls on all of us in this House to take urgent action to do our small part to ensure that that outcome does not occur.

The UN has described Darfur as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. This is a catastrophe that demands immediate international action. We on this side of the House applaud the government for responding generously to the crisis in Darfur. We welcome the announcement on 27 July by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of an additional $12 million in emergency humanitarian assistance, which brings to $20 million the government's commitment and contribution to the region since May. This is a significant amount. As events unfold, it is likely that we will see a further commitment of funds to try to minimise the impact of events as people are simply removed from their own homes and forced into Chad. We have seen images on our television sets of many thousands of children dying from the appalling starvation that exists in this area. That highlights the need for aid to be sent to this region as soon as possible. Funds that the government has provided are being channelled through major UN agencies, such as WFP and UNICEF, and NGOs, including ICRC, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision to provide emergency food, water supplies, sanitation and health care for displaced people in Darfur and Sudanese refugees in Chad.

I have noticed that World Vision have ramped up their campaign in recent days and that Tim Costello is over there and drawing attention to the problem. I also noticed that a Channel 9 journalist reported on it last night. We need a greater emphasis to make people aware of the problem and to ensure that the NGOs receive funds to help make their aid programs significant so that they assist in the best way possible.

There is still a huge need for emergency assistance to keep displaced people in Darfur alive over the next few months. With the onset of the wet season in western Sudan, there is a real risk that many displaced people will be cut off from international aid efforts. The security situation is also restricting the access of humanitarian agencies and many thousands are now at risk of starvation and disease. We understand that various UN agencies and NGOs involved in the provision of aid are still well short of the funds and resources they require to save the victims of this conflict. We need this combined effort of governments around the world as well as the initiative and determination of the UN to not only condemn the government of Sudan but also to galvanise aid efforts to ensure that people recognise the seriousness of the unfolding tragedy.

Although Australia cannot be expected to be the leading donor in Africa, we should consider favourably any further request. It is vital that the international community focuses on what is happening there. We welcome the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1556, which calls on the Sudanese government to end the humanitarian disaster in Darfur and disarm the Janjaweed militias within 30 days. We are pleased that the government of Sudan has taken steps to facilitate humanitarian relief in Darfur in line with its 3 July commitments to the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. We urge further strong action by the government of Sudan to ensure desperately needed aid reaches the people of Darfur. I commend the motion to the House. (Time expired).