Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has thanked the Australian Agencies involved in the continuing disaster response mission following New Zealand’s White Island volcano eruption tragedy.
Mr Morrison said Australian Government agencies together with the New Zealand authorities were doing “everything we can” to assist those directed impacted and their families.
“The Government has activated a repatriation plan to bring a number of Australians injured in the White Island volcano tragedy from New Zealand to Australia for specialist medical care,” Mr Morrison said.
“Australian and New Zealand authorities are working closely together to enable the repatriations.”
He said he expected up to 10 injured patients to be transferred to NSW and Victoria as soon medical transport approvals had been obtained.
“Our focus, and that of the New Zealand Government, is on providing the best, most immediate clinical care for those most in need,” Mr Morrison said.
“The plan also requires significant contributions from State Government Agencies, for which we are immensely grateful.”
He said three Royal Australian Air Force aircraft had been deployed to New Zealand as part of the repatriation effort.
“A C-130 Hercules departed RAAF Base Richmond and two C-17 Globemasters departed RAAF Base Amberley to Christchurch, with a team of specialist aircrew and medical equipment on board,” the Prime Minister said.
“Emergency Management Australia has coordinated the repatriation effort at the request of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Defence, Australian Border Force, the Department of Health, and the Australian Federal Police are also to be thanked for their efforts,” he said.
The NSW, Victorian, Queensland and South Australian Governments have also provided aircraft to the emergency response effort.
