19 November 2013 - The New South Wales (NSW) Government conveyed its sympathies and support for the Philippines in light of the destruction brought by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

On November 12, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell expressed his condolences to the Philippine Government and to the Filipino people through Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis. The Premier requested that the same message be conveyed to President Benigno S. Aquino III whom he met during the latter’s State Visit to Australia in October last year. He also conveyed to Consul General Louis the NSW Government’s pledge of financial assistance to the Philippines in the amount of A$500,000.00.

In announcing the pledge at the NSW Parliament on the same day, Premier O’Farrell said, “We are witnessing a tragedy of epic proportions unfolding in the Philippines and the New South Wales Government is ready to do what it can to assist in the emergency relief effort. Our thoughts are with those in the region left devastated by the typhoon, including the many Filipino-Australians who have lost loved ones or may not know yet their fate. A major response is now underway with the Philippine Government and humanitarian aid agencies scrambling to provide food, water and supplies to hundreds of thousands of people impacted by the storm. The NSW Government has joined the Australian Government and international community to help the Philippine Government provide immediate humanitarian assistance.”

On November 14, Premier O’Farrell led NSW State officials and Members of Parliament in signing a condolence book for those who perished in the typhoon. Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner, NSW Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello, President of the NSW Legislative Council Don Harwin, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shelley Hancock, and 27 other Members of the NSW Parliament joined the Premier in signing the condolence book to express solidarity with the Philippines. END