Doorstop London

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: On behalf of our country, on behalf of Australians, I want to extend our solidarity and our condolences to the people of Vanuatu. We've seen a dreadful tragedy at Port Vila. I want to say that we have reached out to my counterparts by message to offer any supports that Vanuatu needs. We've also reached out through our High Commissioner. We will provide whatever assistance is required. I say to the people of Vanuatu, you are family and Australia is here to help. In relation to any Australians who are caught up in this, we are available to assist you, if required. I say, please contact the Emergency Centre. It's a 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre. From outside Australia you dial +61 2 6261 3305 and you will be assisted, if you contact us, to the best of our capacity. 

Journalist: Are Australians caught up, do you know?

Foreign Minister: I don't have any information about Australians who are injured. Obviously, in Vanuatu, there are Australians, inevitably, who either work there or are on holiday there. That's why I've said to people, please contact the Consular Emergency Centre if you are in need of assistance. 

Journalist: It appears one of the embassy buildings has collapsed, which involves the Americans and perhaps the British. Were we involved in that building as well?

Foreign Minister: No, I have reached out this morning to check with the High Commission that people are safe. I'm advised that staff are safe. Australian officials are safe. We are still endeavouring to contact some locally engaged staff, but at this stage, the advice to me is the Australians are safe. Thank you.