Senator CHRIS EVANS (Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations) (3:35 PM) —by leave—I move:

Australians have been shocked and saddened by the humanitarian crisis that has engulfed Japan since it experienced a powerful earthquake and tsunami on 11 March. We have all watched in horror the TV images that have been sent around the world.

In addition to the aftershocks, the risk and uncertainty associated with damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant has further tested the Japanese people during the past two weeks. This has been an unspeakable tragedy for the people of Japan. More than 8,000 people are dead, more than 12,000 people are missing and more than half a million people are homeless. Millions have been affected by disruptions to power, communications and transport and a shortage of food and water. Even as the search and rescue efforts continue it is clear that this powerful earthquake has extracted a terrible toll.

Australians have all been deeply affected by the suffering of the Japanese people as a result of the 11 March earthquake and tsunami. Our two nations enjoy close diplomatic, security, trade and people-to-people relations. We share more than 100 sister city relationships. I note there was a delegation of Australian parliamentarians in Japan, and we welcome back Senator Cash. I am glad to see that she came through unscathed but, I suspect, impacted by the terrible circumstances around that delegation when the earthquake hit. Many thousands of Australians travel to Japan each year on business and on holiday, including young Australians who participate in Japan’s working holiday program. Many Australian students are there on Endeavour Award scholarships and other scholarships. My department has been active in ensuring they are all safe, and I am pleased to say they are. There were 11,000 Japanese tourists and more than 6,000 Japanese students in Australia when the disaster struck. Obviously, that has deeply affected them and the tragedy has been felt in every part of Australia.

On behalf of the Australian government, the Australian Senate and the Australian people, I extend my deepest sympathies to those who grieve for family members and friends lost in the devastating natural disaster. We hold out hope for those still missing and we sympathise with their families who are awaiting news.

Japan will be tested severely in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Australia stands prepared to provide the assistance Japan needs as it deals with its immediate challenges and begins the task of rebuilding damaged lives and infrastructure. Australia has already provided more than 70 search and rescue personnel to support the search and rescue effort. The nation is proud of the contribution they have made in the search for survivors, and I know they have been greatly appreciated and valued by our Japanese friends.

Today the Prime Minister announced the Australian government will make a $10 million donation to support the recovery effort in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. The donation will be made to the Red Cross Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal on the advice of the Japanese government.

Japan has recovered from disaster before. This great nation recovered from the 1923 earthquake which killed more than 100,000 people and devastated Tokyo. Australia and Japan are friends in good times and bad, and we will stand by Japan as its government and people respond to the immediate challenges of this crisis and begin the task of recovery and rebuilding.

In the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, the number of unaccounted-for Australians now stands at five. I want to acknowledge the anxiety felt by the family and friends of those Australians whose safety is yet to be confirmed and join them in wishing for the timely confirmation that their loved ones are safe and well.

I also want to acknowledge the staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade who have provided consular support to Australians in Japan. Led by Ambassador Murray McLean, their support in the long hours they have worked and the way that they have gone about their business are a great credit to them and to the department and the other departments who are represented at the embassy. I know our own education counsellor, Karen Sandercock, has been flat out supporting Australians in Japan and providing what information and support she can. Often Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials serving overseas do not get enough credit for the job they do in these circumstances and there is often some criticism around as they struggle to deal with extraordinary circumstances where communication is difficult, where information is hard to get and where we have large numbers of Australians ‘in country’, many of whom are not registered. So it is an enormous task and I think they have done a fantastic job and we thank them for that effort.

In moving this proposed resolution, I think I can speak on behalf of all senators in saying this shocking event has really moved Australians. We extend our deepest sympathy to the people of Japan. The scale of this disaster is quite incredible. We will do everything we can to support the Japanese people as they recover from this awful tragedy. I thank the Senate.