Labor slammed over $2.5million in humanitarian aid for PNG landslide victims – while a new footy team gets $600million

Labor has come under fire for pledging just $2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Papua New Guinea after a landslide buried up to 2,000 people – despite proposing to spend more than $600 million on a new football team in the country.

A massive landslide crashed into Yambali village in the country’s north in the early hours of Friday while most villagers were sleeping.

More than 150 houses were buried under rubble nearly two stories high, and the United Nations estimates that around 675 people were killed.

But PNG’s disaster agency estimated in a letter to the UN that “more than 2,000 people” could be buried alive under the rubble.

Rescuers, who desperately dug into the earth with shovels and even their bare hands, told local media they could hear screams from below.

The Australian government announced on Monday evening that it would provide $2.5 million in humanitarian aid in the aftermath of the disaster.

More than 150 houses were buried under rubble nearly two stories high, and the United Nations estimates that around 675 people were killed.

“All Australians will be thinking of Papua New Guinea at this very difficult time,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.

“The Australian Government will provide an initial $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support PNG’s response to the landslide in Enga Province.”

But the announcement was widely criticized online, with many questioning the paltry figure.

“Australia has had 40 years to worry about PNG and hasn’t,” wrote ex-Australian Federal Police officer Brad Turner, who served in PNG.

“Initiating major changes for PR and zero infrastructure and turning a blind eye to human rights abuses by the PNG government since 1979 does not make Australia a good neighbour.”

Others compared the $2.5 million bailout to the government’s proposed $600 million investment to fund an 18th NRL team in PNG.

Anthony Albanese has expressed support for the plans, which are expected to cost the federal government $60 million a year for at least a decade.

“I am a strong supporter of an 18th NRL team in PNG,” the Prime Minister said last year.

Labor has been criticized for pledging just $2.5 million in humanitarian aid after the landslide buried up to 2,000 people – despite proposing to spend more than $600 million on a new football team in the country (pictured)

‘This is a game changer for the relationship with Papua New Guinea.’

The supposed double standards were highlighted by an X user who simply wrote: “$2.5 million for humanitarian aid. $600 million for a football team. Correct.’

Daily Mail Australia approached the Department of Defense for comment.

The government has indicated that it is willing to provide additional support.

“Today’s package will address the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide, and we stand ready to consider additional support,” said Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

Rescuers, who used shovels and even their bare hands to desperately dig into the earth, told local media they could hear screams from below.

In some cases, rescuers have even used sticks to dig for potential survivors

The $2.5 million will help provide shelter, hygiene kits and care for women and children affected by the disaster.

As part of the support package, Australian technical experts will be deployed to the region to assist with restoration and geological hazard assessment.

Relief efforts are hampered by the remote, mountainous location of the village.

In some cases, rescuers have used sticks to dig for potential survivors.

‘Right now, more than 300 lives are buried. The boys are having a hard time,” local lawyer Andrew Ruing told the newspaper ABC.

“They don’t use bulldozers or anything… they try to remove big rocks with sticks. That’s why we’re asking anyone who can help… we really need help.”