Foreign Minister Penny Wong says four Australians who were in the region of a devastating earthquake in south east Türkiye and Syria remain unaccounted-for.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) is providing consular assistance to another 40 Australians and their families who were in the area.
"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance, including to the families of four Australians who were in the region at the time of the earthquake and I regret to say at this stage remain unaccounted-for," Senator Wong told the Senate.
"Obviously their safety is our immediate priority and consular officials in Ankara are working with local authorities and others on the ground to assist them."
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also confirmed in parliament that Australia would send a search-and-rescue team of up to 72 people to Türkiye, with an aim to have them there by the end of the week.
This is in addition to the initial $10 million contribution in aid announced yesterday.
"These urban search-and-rescue specialists are highly trained to locate, deliver medical assistance to, and remove victims who have been trapped or impacted by a structural collapse," Mr Albanese said.
"Our National Emergency Management Agency, or NEMA, is working closely with Fire and Rescue New South Wales, DFAT and the ADF to coordinate the deployment as soon as possible, with an aim to have people on the ground by the end of this week.
"I want to thank the personnel and their families in advance.
"Once again, they're willing to support people wherever support is needed, and I'm sure I speak for all Australians when I wish them all a safe journey."
