Australian Consulate-General, Guangzhou
Media Release PD11/08 23/5/2008
The following media release was issued by Alan Carpenter��Premier; Minister for Federal-State Relations; Trade; Innovation; Science; Public Sector Management on 21 May.
WA gives $1million aid to China earthquake
Western Australia will donate $1million to support relief efforts following last week’s devastating earthquake in China.
Premier Alan Carpenter said the financial assistance would be given to the International Red Cross and used to help some of the reported 50,000 victims of the May 12 disaster.
Mr Carpenter will today visit the Chinese Consulate in Perth to offer condolences for the loss of life from the quake which struck China’s Sichuan province.
“On behalf of Western Australians, I express my sincere condolences to China and its citizens for what is a massive humanitarian tragedy,” he said.
“This offer of aid is a small way in which our State, which is currently enjoying strong economic conditions, can help a friend in need.
“WA has strong cultural and economic ties with China and it is terrible to see the effect a natural disaster such as this can have on a country and its people.”
The Premier said the aid would be given to the International Red Cross, who would deliver the funds to the Red Cross Society of China.
He said the Federal Government had pledged a total of $2million in aid, as well as an offer of specialist equipment to help rescue teams on the ground.
WA’s donation to China follows a $1million aid package announced last week for the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma.
For further information, please contact Ms Willow Li, Research Assistant
(Tel: 020 3814 0186, E-mail: [email protected] )