Mr Smith’s Office: Courtney Hoogen on 0488 244901
Mr Fitzgibbon’s Office: Jack Smith on 0408 116 423
MEDIA RELEASE
Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Joel Fitzgibbon MP
Minister for Defence
JOINT M E D I A R E L E A S E
FA 12 December 2008
AUSTRALIAN RELIEF SUPPLIES FOR PNG FLOODS
Australia will provide up to $1 million to assist Papua New Guineans adversely affected by severe sea
swells this week.
Minister Stephen Smith advised Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Sam Abal,
of this funding in Fiji last night.
This support will include the provision of relief supplies and funding for NGOs already responding to
this disaster.
An Australian Defence Force C-130 will leave this weekend carrying water containers, tarpaulins and
water purification tablets which will be distributed in the worst hit areas.
The plane will fly to Kavieng (New Ireland province) and Lorengau (Manus province) where the
supplies will be passed on to PNG officials and Non-Government Organisations for distribution to
those in greatest need.
AusAID staff in Papua New Guinea (PNG) will work closely with the PNG National Disaster
Committee to coordinate Australia's contribution with PNG's emergency response. Liaison officers
will also be deployed to New Ireland and Manus provinces to ensure all possible assistance is provided.
Reports suggest 50,000 people have been affected by this disaster and several hundred houses have
been washed away when severe sea swells saw water levels rise alarmingly in several PNG provinces.
At this stage there have been no deaths confirmed.
The Australian Government will await further assessment of needs to determine whether any additional
assistance may be required.
NEWS 
