Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop, says they are long standing friends of Fiji and will do all possible to assist the country in rehabilitation following the devastation caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

Australia has already committed over $5 million and personnel to assist the Fijian Government and its people.

Bishop says Australia understands the plight of Fiji and is also working with other countries to help Fijians.

“In coordination with the Government of Fiji, we have also sent a team of six-person team of Australian medics, who are currently carrying out lifesaving treatment and other health and medical assistance. We have sent a 16-person crisis response team working with the Government of Fiji, coordinating the response. We have also been in touch with other Pacific Island leaders, and working with PNG, particularly as the chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, so that there is a coordinated regional response. We are long standing firm friends of Fiji, we are there in their hour of need.”

The Australia Defence Force aircraft’s and personnel are working with local authorities on the ground.