Of at least 300 Australians stranded in riot-stricken New Caledonia, 84 have been evacuated on two DFAT flights. The federal government says it is awaiting approval from French authorities to send further planes.
Chris Salmon was among those on board the DFAT evacuation flight. He is greeted by his wife and son upon his arrival at Brisbane International Airport.
"We were OK, we were in a hotel, we were safe. The hotel was providing food in the morning, so it was just only dinner and lunch. Some restaurants were open, so we managed to get some bread here and there." Kanak activist Viro Xulue, says the constitutional reform, and the French response to the ensuing riots, had left people on the island "scared".
With many foreign citizens still stranded in the territory, more flights are expected in the coming days facilitated by French authorities. Last week, the local government said around 3,200 people were waiting to leave or enter New Caledonia, as rioting forced the closure of the international airport."Australian assets should be used to prioritise Australians, so I think an explanation is needed here about whether Australians have been left stranded because the plane has been filled up with others. I have no problem helping those from other countries, if and when Australians are safe and sound.
The deadly riots have claimed six lives do far, with 270 people arrested, as a state of emergency remains in place.
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