Australian gov’t working to bring home stranded citizens in New Caledonia

CANBERRA, May 19 — The Australian government is working to bring home citizens who are stranded in New Caledonia amid civil unrest, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said.
In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, the foreign minister said the government was trying to support Australians in the French Pacific territory after all inbound and outbound flights were grounded due to ongoing riots.
“The Australian Defence Force is ready to fly, pending commercial flights resuming,” she said.
“French authorities advise the situation on the ground is preventing flights. We continue to pursue approvals,” Wang added.
Approximately 300 Australians stranded in New Caledonia have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and have been advised to limit their movement and follow the advice of authorities.
Six people have been killed in riots that began in response to France’s plan to impose new rules that would allow more French residents to vote in New Caledonia’s elections.