Melbourne girl Malisa Plesa didn’t safe a spot on the flights, telling In the present day it was disappointing.
“We did not obtain any notification that we would not be on their flight. Now we have obtained communication that French authorities can be coordinating the evacuation of all vacationers that stay in New Caledonia,” she mentioned.
“We do not know when we will get dwelling.
“There are literally thousands of vacationers from everywhere in the world and if we at the moment are being included as a part of that group stranded right here, it may take ages for us to get dwelling.”
Plesa mentioned she had obtained little communication from Australian officers.
“We’re nonetheless caught right here and in as a lot hazard right this moment as yesterday,” she mentioned.
“We simply wish to know once we’ll get our alternative to come back dwelling.
“Now we have been instructed to remain put inside our inns, as a result of we may get that decision at any time.
“It is simply one other day in limbo. It is one other day the place individuals cannot exit to get extra provides, it is actually only a ready sport for us.”
The federal authorities mentioned it will preserve working with companions on extra flights, which might prioritise passengers primarily based on want.
Wong mentioned French authorities suggested they might be conducting flights beginning right this moment and the Division of Overseas Affairs remained involved with registered Australians in New Caledonia.
Vacationers from different international locations additionally secured a spot on the primary flights after conversations with the Australian and Canadian consulates in Noumea.
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan mentioned Australians ought to have been the primary onboard the flights.
“There is no such thing as a doubt in my thoughts that Australian property must be used to prioritise Australians,” he instructed In the present day.
The indigenous inhabitants accounts for round 40 per cent of New Caledonia’s 270,000 whole inhabitants, and plenty of have known as for independence from France.
Three referendums on the subject have been held since 2018, with the pro-independence vote falling brief on every event – though it boycotted the latest ballot in 2021.
A state of emergency in response to the unrest was declared final week, and France despatched an additional 1000 safety reinforcements to the territory to quell the violence.
Australians in want of emergency consular help ought to contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 (inside Australia) or +61 2 6261 3305 (from abroad).
