Mr Smith’s Office:
Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500 or 0488 244901
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
MEDIA RELEASE
Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs
M E D I A R E L E A S E
FA185
16 January 2009
FURTHER AUSTRALIAN ASSISTANCE FOR FIJI FLOODS
Today I announce Australian Government assistance of $3 million to respond to the floods in Fiji.
This includes $1 million for emergency flood assistance and $2 million for longer term recovery and
reconstruction.
The Fiji Interim Government made a request for international assistance on 15 January. Given the scale
of the crisis it is appropriate that Australia offers what assistance we can to help the people of Fiji.
The $1 million in emergency relief includes the initial $150,000 for the Fiji Red Cross Society that I
announced on 13 January. This funding has enabled the Red Cross to restock and distribute their
emergency supplies such as tarpaulins, water containers, clothing, blankets and emergency kits.
In addition, relief support will be directed towards the health sector to help to minimise the sanitation
risks posed by the flooding through providing water purification tablets, rehydration salts and
antibiotics. It will also support broader recovery needs, including support for recovery of the
agriculture sector.
We remain very concerned for the welfare of all those affected by the floods in Fiji. Latest reports from
the Fiji National Disaster Management Office are that eleven people have died and over 10,500 people
have been evacuated to over 150 emergency centres as a result of the floods.
I therefore commit an initial $2 million for longer term recovery and reconstruction.
Australian officials will continue to work with Fijian authorities to determine how this broader
assistance will be best used, based on more detailed assessments of longer term needs.
That will also include assessments by Australian officials as to whether a further recovery and
reconstruction contribution from Australia in the future is required.
NEWS 
