Scott Morrison says the upcoming Sydney Test match between Australia and New Zealand would be played in the backdrop of the ongoing bushfires.
Speaking at Kirribilli House reception for the two cricket teams on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said “the great feats of our cricketers” would inspire Australians during “a time of great challenge” for the country.
“This Test and this whole season has been played out against terrible events both here in Australia and also in New Zealand with the White Island [volcanic eruption],” Morrison told the function’s guests.
“The fires do rage on, it is a time of great challenge for Australia.
“Whether they’re started by lightning storms or whatever the cause may be, our firefighters and all of those who have come behind them to support them, whether they’re volunteering on the frontline or behind the scenes in a great volunteer effort, it is something that will happen against the backdrop of this Test match.
“But at the same time, Australians will be gathered whether it’s at the SCG or around television sets all around the country, and they’ll be inspired by the great feats of our cricketers from both sides of the Tasman, and I think they’ll be encouraged by the spirit shown by Australians and the way that people have gone about remembering the terrible things that other Australians are dealing with at the moment.”
The PM acknowledged New Zealand’s firefighters for their assistance on the bushfire crisis. “I today want to particularly recognise the contribution of New Zealand’s firefighters and what they have done to support their Australian mates here at this testing time,” he said.
“Since November more than 100 firefighters, an incident management team and aviation specialists have supported our teams battling the blazers in New South Wales.”
More than 100 wildfires are currently burning in the state.
Nine people have died and more than 200 properties have been destroyed in the Australian bushfires since Christmas Day, according to The Guardian.
Canberra also recorded its worst air quality in history, with index readings reaching 4,650 on Wednesday afternoon after smoke from the NSW South Coast bushfires spread to the capital. Air quality ratings of more than 200 are considered hazardous.
