Mr Smith’s Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
Departmental : (02) 6261 1555
MEDIA RELEASE
Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
M E D I A R E L E A S E
3
October 2009
$1 MILLION AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT FOR TONGA
Australia is providing a $1 million package of support to help relief and recovery efforts on the island
of Niuatoputapu. This is in the most northern group of islands in the Tongan archipelago.
This assistance is being provided at the request of the Government of Tonga.
Nine people have died as a result of the tsunami in Tonga. Australia has extended its condolences to
the Government and the People of Tonga for their loss.
As part of this package, Australian emergency supplies are being sent to the Tongan capital of
Nuku’alofa and will be loaded aboard the French vessel Revi which, as part of the French support to the
tsunami response effort, will sail to Niuatopuatu today with Australian and New Zealand relief
equipment. Australian supplies comprise tents, marquees, generators and lighting.
This vessel has been mobilised by France as part of the Pacific disaster coordination arrangements
(FRANZ) between France, New Zealand and Australia.
NEWS 
