29 December 2004
Government Support For Tsunami Recovery For Our Neighbours
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Clare Martin MLA
Chief Minister
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The Northern Territory Government will provide $450,000 to key non-government relief organisations to support recovery efforts following the devastating tsunami Chief Minister, Clare Martin, said today.
“This donation - made on behalf of all Territorians - is but one component of our response to the tragedy affecting our neighbours,” Ms Martin said.
“The government has been in constant contact with our federal counterparts as part of the national response to the events unfolding to our north. This has included:
- The activation of Royal Darwin Hospital facilities to meet emergency admissions that might occur;
- The activation of the Territory’s Counter Disaster Committee;
- Twice daily teleconferences with the Australian Health Disaster Committee made up of federal, state and territory Chief Health Officers, coordinated by the Territory’s Tarun Weeramanthri;
- Similar hook ups between the Territory’s Police Fire and Emergency Services and the Federal police with Victim Identification officers on stand by if required.
“At this stage it is a process of waiting and seeing what assessments come out of the areas where Australian medical and aid teams have been placed and we stand ready to assist.
“At this stage the emphasis is on utilising defence force reservists, but our Chief Health Officer, in conjunction with all other jurisdictions, is compiling lists of human and other resources that would be available to the national effort.”
Ms Martin said the cash donations, to be split equally between Australian Red Cross, Care Australia and World Vision Australia , should kick start contributions from the general public.
“The Territory is home to significant communities from Indonesia , Sri Lanka , India , Thailand , Malaysia and other countries affected by the disaster - we are also mindful of the support the Territory received after Cyclone Tracy 30 years ago,” said Ms Martin.
“It is important that we all do what we can to help the recovery and support our neighbours in the long task ahead of rebuilding lives and communities across south and south-east Asia .”
Ms Martin said that anyone wanting to offer financial support should call:
Care Australia Donation hotline: 1800 020 046
Australian Red Cross Donation hotline: 1800 811 700
World Vision Australia Donation hotline: 13 32 40