MEDIA RELEASE

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ALEXANDER DOWNER

12 May 1999

Waiver of Fees to Replace Passports Damaged or Lost as a Result of Cyclones Vance and Elaine

I have today decided to waive fees for replacing current Australian passports lost or damaged due to flooding associated with cyclones Vance and Elaine in Western Australia earlier this year.

The flooding associated with the cyclones has severely affected the lives of many residents, causing the loss or damage of a great deal of personal effects. With the help of the Federal and Western Australian Governments, and many groups and individuals, the people in the area are continuing to rebuild their lives. An important part of this is the replacement of valuable personal documents, including passports, which were damaged or lost in the flood.

As part of the Federal Government's ongoing commitment to the people in the area, fees normally charged to replace current Australian passports lost or damaged in the flood will be waived. Replacement passports will have the same expiry date as passports damaged or lost in the flood.

Residents wishing to replace passports damaged or lost in the flood should telephone the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Western Australia Office in Perth on (08) 9231-4499.