PM Transcripts

,,, AUSTRALIAd
PRIME MINISTER1
FOR MEDIA TUESDAY 25 NOVEMBER 1980
ITALIAN EARTHQUAKE
The Australian Government joins the Australian people in
expressing our deepest sympathy at the tragic loss of life
and destruction caused by the earthquake that occurred in
the vicinity of Naples late in the evening, of 23 November.
This is the second disaster of this nature to have struck
Italy in the last four years.
Australians share the grief of those who have l. ost members of
their families or friends as a result of -the earthquake.
The Government and people of Italy can be assured of the support
and sympathy of all. Australians. The Australian Government has
decided to relax migrant entry requirements so that relatives
of Australian residents affected by-the earthquake can be
sponsored for migration as quickly as possible. The Minister
for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs will announce details later
today. In addition, the Government has begun discussions with Italian
authorities as to the most suitable ways in which Australians
can contribute emergency relief.
The Government has decided to allocate immediately the sum of
$ 500,000 to the Australian appeal which is being established
by leaders of the Italian Community in Australia. I have
agreed to be Patron of that appeal.
The Government has agreed that any donation to the appeal
could be treated as deductible for taxation purposes. The
Commonwealth would also agree to match dollar for dollar funds
contributed by the States. The specific purpose for which the
money will be used will be decided in consultation between the
Italian and Australian Governments and the organisers of the
Australian appeal.
The resources of the Australian Government in Australia and in
Italy are of course available for any members of the community
who wish to obtain information and assistance in relation to
this disaster.
The Telephone Interpreter Service will provide-information in
Italian to. callers and the Department of Foreign Affairs has
established two special lines to receive inquiries ( 613305 and
613474). 000---