Wednesday, 8 February 2023

 Natalie SULEYMAN (St Albans – Minister for Veterans, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Youth) (09:41): On Monday 6 February at 4:17 am a magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit Türkiye. This was followed by many other aftershocks. I am deeply saddened and shocked by the news of this major earthquake in Türkiye and in Syria. This earthquake is one of the most disastrous to hit Türkiye and the world in recent history. We know that over 23 million people will be affected by this, and our hearts are breaking. I join with the Turkish community in Victoria in a seven-day period of mourning. My thoughts and prayers are with Turkish Victorians and of course all our family and friends across the world. This is a very difficult time for Turkish Victorians who may have family and friends and cannot connect with their loved ones. Everyone has been affected by these really devastating and heartbreaking scenes that we are seeing in Türkiye. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced $10 million in humanitarian support to assist Türkiye, and many other countries have followed as well. I have spoken directly to the Premier, and we stand ready to support Türkiye. Also the Turkish embassy in Canberra has officially established an account, and we hope that we can raise vital funds for Türkiye.