Extract of doorstop interview with ABC Radio, Perth
Transcript E&OE
Subjects: Commonwealth Games, Aid to Pakistan
19 August 2010
QUESTION: Should Australia be going to the Delhi Games?
STEPHEN SMITH: Australians, if they're contemplating going to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October should very carefully read Australia's travel advice, which is there for them to read.
That's the most up-to-date advice that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Government can give to the Australian travelling public.
We're working very closely with the Indian authorities. We want the Commonwealth Games to be a success – not just for India, but also for the Commonwealth. Whether individual Australians go to Delhi and compete or whether individual Australians go to the Games to watch is a matter for them, but they should consider and contemplate our travel advice in the run up to the Games.
In the meantime we are working very closely with the Commonwealth Games Association, giving them all of the up-to-date information and advice we have so far as travel to India is concerned.
...
QUESTION: Are we doing enough for Pakistan? I understand you spoke on it before, but are we doing enough?
STEPHEN SMITH: Australia is in the top three or four contributors. We're contributing $35 million. We also have people on the ground helping with the needs assessments. We are open about doing more if it's appropriate for us to do more. We are urging other nations to make their own contributions and also encouraging Australians to give generously by way of private contribution. But we continue to monitor the situation.
Regrettably it is deteriorating but we are open about rendering further assistance if that's appropriate.
JOURNALIST: Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
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