Ministerial Statement

CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY (Port Adelaide—Minister for Defence Industries, Minister for Police, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Motor Sport, Minister Assisting the Premier with the Olympic Dam Expansion Project) (14:01): I seek leave to make a brief ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.O. FOLEY: I simply want to read into Hansard, if I may, a letter that I received recently from the Hon. Judith Collins, Minister for Police for New Zealand:

Dear Minister

I write to acknowledge and thank you for the outstanding contribution made by South Australia Police following the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February 2011.

South Australia's readiness to prepare and send a contingent of police officers to Christchurch immediately after the disaster is greatly appreciated by the Government, Police and public of New Zealand.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Anthony Fioravanti—

who is also the LSA Commander for Port Adelaide—

South Australia Police members have worked tirelessly in very difficult circumstances that include extensively damaged buildings, distressed citizens, and frequent aftershocks.

South Australia Police's collaboration with their New Zealand counterparts in maintaining law and order and their assistance to local emergency services have been outstanding. I understand the South Australia Police team has been involved in rescue and recovery efforts, patrols and cordons, and in working to restore confidence and security to the residents of Christchurch.

I also want to acknowledge the contribution of the team members who are involved in the challenging and essential task of disaster victim identification.

On behalf of the New Zealand Government, the public of New Zealand and especially the people of Christchurch, I would like to sincerely thank you for South Australia Police's response in the aftermath of this disaster.

Yours sincerely

Hon. Judith Collins

Minister of Police [New Zealand]