PM Transcripts

Jj, AUSTRALIA JFOR
MEDIA 17 APRIL 1979
AUSTRALIAN ASSISTANCE TO YUGOSLAV
EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
The Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, announced today that the
Australian Government is to donate the sum of $ 100,000 to
help relieve the plight of victims of the earthquake
which devastated Yugoslavia's southern Adriatic region
in recent days.
The Prime Minister has written to President Tito expressing
the sympathy of the Australian Government and people for the
tragic loss of life and property sustained by the people
of Yugoslavia in this major disaster, and offering
our assistance.
The Government is conscious of the concern which the large
numbers of Australians of Yugoslav origin are feeling for
the safety and welfare of relatives in the stricken area.
Accordingly, persons wishing to enquire about the welfare
of relatives and friends in Yugoslavia may ring the
Department of Foreign Affairs in Canberra on 613474; an
interpreter will be available to assist with inquiries.
As in previous such situations, the Government will act
immediately to assist in relation to immigration cases.
Immediate priority will be given to those nominations already
in the pipeline involving people made homeless by the
earthquake and priority will also be given to other nominations
lodged in the immediate future which are within existing
immigration criteria.
Nominations outside the normal criteria where such compassionate
circumstances exist, such as where families have been deprived
of their breadwinner or where children have been orphaned,
will be accepted and dealt with quickly.
Immigrat ion staff from Belgrade would go to the disaster
areas as soon as possible to ensure speedy handling
of applications. -000--4Si~
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