We should do more for Nepal: Plibersek

Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek says the $5 million the federal government allocated for humanitarian assistance for Nepal is "pretty modest".

Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek

Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek (AAP) Source: AAP

Australia should chip in more to help earthquake-ravaged Nepal, the opposition says.

Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek says the $5 million the federal government has allocated for humanitarian assistance, so far, was "pretty modest".

"I certainly think we could do more," she told ABC TV.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the $5 million is Australia's immediate relief contribution.

An additional $1 million has been allocated from Australia's $5 million package of assistance to the World Health Organisation to procure urgently needed medical supplies.

As well, Australia has a search and rescue team available to send to Nepal where it could join 10 other teams from around the world.

"We, of course, stand ready to assist," Ms Bishop told ABC radio, adding it was working with the US and Japan to coordinate efforts.

Australians stranded in Nepal will have access to military flights out of Kathmandu.


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Source: AAP


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