Condolence Motion - The People of Nepal & Nepalese Tasmanians

Wednesday 2 September 2026

[11.08 a.m.]

Ms RATTRAY (McIntyre - Leader for the Government in the Legislative Council) - Mr President, I move -

That the Legislative Council:

(1)          Notes that hundreds of people have been killed and remain missing and there is extensive destruction following devastating flash floods that struck communities in the border region between Nepal and Tibet.

(2)          Expresses profound sadness at the tragic loss of life and suffering experienced in Nepal and extends its deepest condolences to all those affected.

(3)          Recognises the ongoing search and rescue efforts to locate those still unaccounted for, including reports that at least 43 Australians are among the missing.

(4)          Notes that Tasmania is home to a vibrant and growing Nepalese community, with more than 6000 Tasmanians born in Nepal and more than 7000 speaking Nepali at home.

(5)          Acknowledges the significant contribution of Nepalese Tasmanians in all aspects of Tasmanian life including work, sport and community participation.

(6)          Recognises that many members of Tasmania's Nepalese community will be grieving for family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy and affirms that this is a time to stand with the Nepalese community here in Tasmania and across Australia.

(7)          Pays tribute to the emergency services personnel, volunteers and humanitarian organisations providing assistance to those affected and urges Tasmanians to support fundraising efforts if they can.

(8)          Offers, on behalf of the Council and people of Tasmania, its heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and all Nepalese Tasmanians impacted by this tragedy.

[11.30 a.m.]

Ms ARMITAGE (Launceston) - I thank the Leader for bringing forward this motion. What we've seen unfolding in Nepal over the past days has been heart-wrenching and tragic. When we see this sort of devastation to people, infrastructure and the environment, we're reminded of the fragility of human life and how quickly and easily things can change forever. The flash floods destroyed the environment, collapsing infrastructure, roads, buildings and communications equipment. The human toll continues to rise as a number of those who have died and who are being reported missing remain ongoing. At this time, I note that the number of unaccounted Australians has thankfully been revised down to 38, with five people located in recent hours. While we review this is good news, I continue to hold the family, friends and loved ones of the remaining 38 in my mind, as I'm sure does everyone else here in this place. We're told more than 4400 people remain missing, which is absolutely heart-wrenching. I further note the foreign minister, Penny Wong, has acknowledged that Nepal's government had been extremely helpful to all foreign nationals during this extremely distressing time.

I've seen with profound heartbreak how our communities all over Australia are rallying and holding vigils for those who have been lost or remain missing. This includes vigils held in Launceston and Hobart just last evening. This evening, parliament will also pause to acknowledge the tragedy and hold a vigil on parliament lawns. I note the significant number of people from Nepal who live in Tasmania, with more than 6000 Tasmanians born in Nepal, and more than 7000 speaking Nepali at home. They're our friends, our colleagues, students in our schools, people we play sport with, and fellow members of our community. They are hurting, and many are personally affected by the shocking events and connections they have to people who have lost or are missing loved ones. While for many, Nepal is home, I think I speak for everyone here when I say there will always be a place for you here, and that we embrace and support you during this time of terrible grief and worry. You will continue to be seen and heard, and we are here for you.

In times of crisis, it's easy to fall into the dark depths of grief. The weight of sadness at the loss of human life is profound, and nothing we say or do minimises that. It's a pain which is real and tangible. To this end, I note and encourage all Tasmanians to understand and appreciate that many members of Tasmania's Nepali community will be grieving for family, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy. I further affirm that this is a time to stand with the Nepali community here in Tasmania and across Australia.

While those on the ground continue to work through this crisis, it is important to remember the small glimmers of hope that emphasise the uncompromising nature of humanity, cooperation and spirit. I note on August 28, a young girl was pulled out from underneath the rubble of a collapsed building, digging with hands and basic tools. The survival of this 6 - year - old girl after 55-hours symbolises the importance of continuing to work hard and hold out for more stories of hope.

I also acknowledge the work of Australians in the effort to render assistance to those in Nepal. While there are many people who are working and helping in the rescue efforts, it was inspiring to hear about the work of engineer Professor Arnold Dix, who's been providing assistance to Nepal from Melbourne. According to ABC News, Professor Dix's role is to help identify where to begin digging at the hydropower stations to try and access the people who are trapped. Using things like satellite imagery, as-built and engineering drawings, and other resources, Professor Dix is helping to find the areas to start digging, locating and trying to rescue any survivors who are in the area.  A further harrowing challenge is the absence of communications infrastructure, roads and lack of access to power to operate machinery, meaning that rescuers on site are working with far more rudimentary tools and equipment. This is in addition to the possibility of more floods.

These are truly distressing circumstances, but I want to note that this all emphasises how international collaboration, effort and shared human spirit comes together during a time of crisis. I therefore further note the motion and pay tribute to the emergency services personnel, the volunteers, humanitarian organisations providing assistance to those affected. I join my fellow colleagues and on behalf of myself and the electorate of Launceston in offering my heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal, all Nepalese Australians and all people and families impacted by this tragedy.