May 21st 2024.
Today, the authorities are dedicating their efforts to rescuing the remaining Australians who are stranded in New Caledonia. This comes after two repatriation flights successfully landed in Brisbane last night. The two flights carried more than 100 Australians and tourists from other countries who were in the capital city, Noumea, during the recent deadly riots.
Penny Wong, the Foreign Minister, has confirmed that French authorities will commence flights today to ensure the safety of any other stranded tourists in the French Pacific territory. This news brings some relief to those who were unable to secure a spot on the previous flights. Among them is Melbourne woman Malisa Plesa, who expressed her disappointment in not being able to leave on the flights. She also mentioned that they did not receive any notification about not being able to board the flights and were only informed about the evacuation plans by French authorities.
Plesa added that they are still in the dark about when they will be able to return home. She also mentioned the thousands of tourists from all over the world who are stranded in New Caledonia and how it could take a long time for them to be able to leave. Plesa also expressed her frustration about the lack of communication from Australian officials, saying that they are still stuck in the same situation as they were yesterday.
The federal government has assured that they are working with their partners to organize more flights, with priority given to those in urgent need. Wong also stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs is in contact with all registered Australians in New Caledonia. It was also reported that tourists from other countries were able to secure a spot on the first flights after discussions with Australian and Canadian consulates in Noumea.
Senator Matt Canavan also weighed in on the situation, expressing his belief that Australians should have been given priority on the flights. He stated that Australian assets should have been used to prioritize the safety of Australians in the territory.
The recent riots in New Caledonia were a response to reforms passed in Paris that granted recent arrivals in the French overseas territory the right to vote in local provincial elections. This was met with resistance from some local leaders who feared that it would weaken the voice of the indigenous Kanak people. The indigenous population makes up about 40% of New Caledonia's total inhabitants and has been advocating for independence from France. The territory has held three referendums on the issue since 2018, with the pro-independence vote falling short each time.
In response to the unrest, a state of emergency was declared last week, and France sent an additional 1000 security reinforcements to the territory to restore peace. For those Australians who wish to leave but have not yet registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs, they are advised to do so online. In case of any emergency, Australians can contact the Consular Emergency Centre for assistance.
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