WA Support for Japan and New Zealand

The Western Australia State Government has made two donations of $500,000 to support the victims of the Japanese and New Zealand earthquakes. Premier Colin Barnett said West Australians had been shocked and saddened by the recent tragedies.

“The earthquakes have had a devastating effect on Japan and New Zealand and the assessment of loss of life, injury and destruction of property sadly continues,” Mr Barnett said.

“I have written to the prime ministers of Japan and New Zealand, offering the deepest condolences and sympathy of the people of WA and pledged $500,000 to both appeals to assist the citizens of Christchurch and Sendai as they set about the recovery process.”

The Premier thanked WA Police, Fire and Emergency Services Agency (FESA) personnel and others who had supported the recovery efforts in New Zealand by providing on-the-ground assistance. Since early March, WA has deployed 37 people to New Zealand, including a team of five forensic officers and FESA urban search and rescue personnel.

WA stands ready to provide any assistance to Japan that is coordinated through the Federal Government.