Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Türkiye and Syria earthquakes

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (09:51): I rise to express my deep sorrow at the news of the devastating earthquakes that struck on Monday in Türkiye and Syria. A rescue operation is now underway across south-east Türkiye and northern Syria. The death toll this morning when I checked the news from this tragedy had risen to over 7800. Unfortunately, last night I had an opportunity to speak to family and friends in the region, and they were very fearful that this figure may be tens of thousands when the full outcome of the earthquakes is discovered. Obviously millions of others have been left homeless. Last night I spoke to my wife’s cousin. She and her young children were out in a tent last night when it was raining. It is the middle of winter still there of course, so they are in very tough conditions and my thoughts are with them.

Many of the cities affected are very close to my heart. My dad is from the city of Adana, a city where many of the buildings have collapsed. Many other cities – Antep, Urfa, the city of Diyarbakir, which is a centre of Kurdish culture in Türkiye – have also been greatly affected.

I also wish to express my gratitude to the federal government for the $10 million announcement that Prime Minister Albanese and our foreign minister Penny Wong made yesterday. I think that will go a long way in assisting many people over there.

I would like to also take this opportunity to extend my condolences to all those that have been affected by this devastating tragedy. In particular I know that a lot of families in Northern Metropolitan, the region I represent, have been greatly affected. We have the largest Turkish and Syrian community in Melbourne, and my thoughts are with them, because I can imagine the sleepless nights they are having to endure. My thoughts are also with the families of the victims and all the rescue workers that continue to do their work.