Wheelchair Consignments in Gaza

Question

Senator FARUQI: I've got a couple of questions on aid to Gaza, and then on ODA in general. Senator Wong: I'll just get the officials to the table. Senator FARUQI: More than 15 months ago, 820 wheelchairs for children in Gaza were donated to PANZMA, which is the Palestinian Australian New Zealand Medical Association. These wheelchairs were donated by two Australian charities, the Kids-On-Wheels Alliance and Wheelchairs for Kids. PANZMA organised the delivery of the wheelchairs to a charity in Jordan, where, from what I understand, they still remain because Israel will not approve their delivery. I understand that Minister Anne Aly has previously been briefed directly regarding these wheelchairs and has met with representatives involved in the coordination. I'm wondering if the Australian government has raised this specific issue of wheelchair consignments directly with Israeli authorities or if you know that they have. Dr King: We'll have to take that on notice. Senator FARUQI: So you don't know whether you have raised this issue. Could you take the next question on notice as well: if you haven't, will the department engage with the authorities to seek urgent clearance and facilitation of these wheelchairs? Dr King: We'll take them on notice.

Answer

Please see attached answer

Documents

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