Queensland floods: Canberra declines offers of help from overseas
By Julian Drape From: AAP January 13, 2011 3:16PM
AUSTRALIA hasn't accepted search and rescue assistance from other countries following the Queensland floods because it's a world leader in disaster management, the federal government says.
Offers of operational assistance have come in from around the globe, but so far the Gillard government has accepted help only from close neighbour New Zealand.
A 15-member civilian emergency response team has travelled across the Tasman and is now on the ground in Queensland. A team of 60 NZ firies will also be heading to the flood-ravaged state within days.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says one of the worst things Australia could have done was accept "a whole lot of uncoordinated delivery of stuff from around the globe plonked on your doorstep".
"It's far better to work within the systems that we've got," Mr Rudd said.
"Here in Australia we do have one of the best systems for natural disaster management that you'll find anywhere in the world, and that's because we are a sunburnt country full of drought and flooding rains and we're used to it."
Many of Australia's own defence force personnel have come off leave to help in the flood-devastated regions of Queensland. There are over 400 defence personnel on the ground.
Some 120 soldiers are working as an "emergency company" in the devastated Lockyer Valley searching for bodies.
Nineteen army helicopters and 17 Bushmaster vehicles are also involved in that operation.
Troops are on the ground in Brisbane and Ipswich filling sand bags and coordinating evacuations.
Air force planes have been flying much-needed supplies to Townsville and Bundaberg for distribution on the ground.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith says the government has been overwhelmed by offers of international assistance in the form of personnel.
"We very much appreciate the solidarity and the offers of assistance," Mr Smith told Sky News.
"(But) so far, in terms of our defence assets, we have more than enough of our own to do the task which the Queensland government has currently requested of us."
But that doesn't mean the government won't accept help in the coming days and weeks if it's needed. Mr Rudd said if defence or emergency workers needed extra assets they'd get them.
"If there is any capability need which people don't have or they feel stretched on, there's no pride involved, they'll be on the phone quick smart to whoever's got that kit in or around the region or in and around the wider world," the foreign minister told ABC Radio.
Offers of general assistance have been made by countries including Britain, the United States, Spain, Japan and Singapore.
Aid donations have come in from countries including regional neighbours Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The Queen has made a private donation to the Queensland premier's flood relief appeal, while the Chinese Red Cross has contributed $50,000.
Sri Lanka has offered supplies of tea.
By Julian Drape From: AAP January 13, 2011 3:16PM
AUSTRALIA hasn't accepted search and rescue assistance from other countries following the Queensland floods because it's a world leader in disaster management, the federal government says.
Offers of operational assistance have come in from around the globe, but so far the Gillard government has accepted help only from close neighbour New Zealand.
A 15-member civilian emergency response team has travelled across the Tasman and is now on the ground in Queensland. A team of 60 NZ firies will also be heading to the flood-ravaged state within days.
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd says one of the worst things Australia could have done was accept "a whole lot of uncoordinated delivery of stuff from around the globe plonked on your doorstep".
"It's far better to work within the systems that we've got," Mr Rudd said.
"Here in Australia we do have one of the best systems for natural disaster management that you'll find anywhere in the world, and that's because we are a sunburnt country full of drought and flooding rains and we're used to it."
Many of Australia's own defence force personnel have come off leave to help in the flood-devastated regions of Queensland. There are over 400 defence personnel on the ground.
Some 120 soldiers are working as an "emergency company" in the devastated Lockyer Valley searching for bodies.
Nineteen army helicopters and 17 Bushmaster vehicles are also involved in that operation.
Troops are on the ground in Brisbane and Ipswich filling sand bags and coordinating evacuations.
Air force planes have been flying much-needed supplies to Townsville and Bundaberg for distribution on the ground.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith says the government has been overwhelmed by offers of international assistance in the form of personnel.
"We very much appreciate the solidarity and the offers of assistance," Mr Smith told Sky News.
"(But) so far, in terms of our defence assets, we have more than enough of our own to do the task which the Queensland government has currently requested of us."
But that doesn't mean the government won't accept help in the coming days and weeks if it's needed. Mr Rudd said if defence or emergency workers needed extra assets they'd get them.
"If there is any capability need which people don't have or they feel stretched on, there's no pride involved, they'll be on the phone quick smart to whoever's got that kit in or around the region or in and around the wider world," the foreign minister told ABC Radio.
Offers of general assistance have been made by countries including Britain, the United States, Spain, Japan and Singapore.
Aid donations have come in from countries including regional neighbours Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The Queen has made a private donation to the Queensland premier's flood relief appeal, while the Chinese Red Cross has contributed $50,000.
Sri Lanka has offered supplies of tea.
