Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields—Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Minister for Industry and Trade, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Minister for Building, and Minister for Corrections) (17:57): I make a brief contribution to debate on the condolence motion for our friends in Nepal and our local Nepalese community across the State and, indeed, the country. National tragedies happen, but the flood in Nepal is one of the biggest I have seen—the ferocity of the flood and landslide, the loss of life and the destruction of communities and cities by the riverbank that were gone within seconds. That loss of life is felt so acutely by those on the ground and by our Nepalese friends. Whilst it happened across the ocean on another continent, many people from our local communities will feel it as if it was close to home. In actual fact, it will be felt in the homes of so many Nepalese Australians we know. They are our friends. They are at local cricket clubs. They own businesses. They are decent, hardworking Australians. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.
The loss of life is a tragedy. Many are no doubt still wondering if there is a miracle coming for their friends and families who are still missing. We always hope for miracles in such tragedies, but we have to be realistic that some will never be found given the ferocity of the floods and the size of the tragedy. The New South Wales Government, as the Premier mentioned in his contribution yesterday, has sent a team of medical and rescue specialists as part of the Australian contingent to support our friends in Nepal to help as part of the rescue and reconstruction of their communities. I know many in my community are concerned about their loved ones. I reinforce that the Australian Government, through our consular service, is doing all it can to work with the Nepalese Government to provide information as soon as possible. Information will give a lot of people certainty and clarity, and a glimmer of hope.
The Commonwealth and State governments sending teams, financial support and aid goes to show the level of friendship we have with our friends in Nepal. This is an extremely difficult time for them and for people in our local communities. I saw that firsthand in my local community on Sunday, when I attended two events to raise money for the people of Nepal. It was encouraging to see a packed venue, with young and old turning up on a Sunday morning to offer their condolences, thoughts and sympathies, and to raise much-needed money to help the recovery.
In the evening we held a lovely, warm vigil that was organised by the community over the past few days. That so many came to our local park goes to show how deep and personal the issue is, and how much it affects people in our local community. I was touched by the speeches that were given. A religious ceremony was also held, which showed a real sense of spirituality, faith, friendship and family. The event encouraged my local community to think of friends and family members in Nepal, and to reinforce the message that they are not alone. We are with them for the future as they recover bodies and as they reconstruct their communities.
In every tragedy, we see wonderful characteristics of human nature. The resilience of the Nepalese people and the fact that they will come back from this terrible tragedy to rebuild their communities and lives shows the strength of the Nepalese people. I want them to know that, as Australians, we are here to support them as they rebuild their lives. I offer my condolences, as many others have and will, for our communities. We will continue to support our Nepalese friends and our local communities in every way we can.
