Page 3491 - Week 09 - Thursday, 20 August 2009
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Barry Barnes, who gave us some of his insights as well. It was sensational. I would like to certainly express my thanks and I am sure the thanks of Mr Doszpot to Dr Peter Fricker and to the AIS for hosting us.
Sometimes we in the ACT forget some of these national jewels we have, some of the national institutions. The AIS, I think, is a fantastic facility that has helped develop elite sports men and women in Australia and helped us have a lot of success over particularly the past few Olympics where we have seen some great sporting glory.
On the issue of sporting glory, it is 20 August and we are about to start the fifth Ashes test. I take a quick opportunity to wish the Australians well. I am sure the other 16 members will join with me in wishing them well. There is nothing worse than losing to England and we are hopeful—
Ms Porter: Except—
MR SESELJA: Ms Porter may not wish them well. I do not know. There is no doubt she is a true blue Aussie, although she loves the mother country as well. I am sure she will be going for Australia in the Ashes. It will be a great day.
I wish Mr Smyth was still here because I could have taken the opportunity to gloat about the fact that Essendon beat St Kilda last weekend. Whilst I did not pick them, I must admit I was still very pleased that the Bombers got away with a win against St Kilda and protected their record. I will not go on but I thank you and the chamber for that indulgence.
Typhoon Morakot
MR COE (Ginninderra) (4.13): Recently typhoon Morakot wreaked havoc on a number of east Asian countries. Typhoon Morakot had a severe effect on the Philippines, with some 22 dead, and forced the evacuation of more than one million people in coastal China, with some deaths there.
The typhoon had a particularly devastating impact on Taiwan. The death toll in Taiwan climbed to more than 500. Deluges of record-breaking rain caused flash flooding and landslides, which has caused widespread human suffering and tragedy. The typhoon also resulted in widespread electricity cuts and the loss of water pressure throughout many parts of the island. The representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, Dr Gary Song-huann Lin, has reported that it is the worst storm Taiwan has experienced in 50 years.
After the typhoon, hundreds of people had to be evacuated and large areas were restricted to military personnel only. Many people could not escape by foot and were taken out by helicopter. A large number of search and rescue operations have been undertaken.
The recovery from the typhoon will be a challenging process. Australia is amongst a number of countries who are offering support in what is a difficult and very stressful time. The United States of America, Israel, Eurozone countries and other Asian countries are also participating in the relief and recovery process.
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