Aust officials frustrated by limited access to hurricane victims

The Federal Government says Australian consular officials are still being denied access to stranded Australians in parts of hurricane-devastated New Orleans.

Around 40 Australians are still believed to be trapped, while 29 have been evacuated over the last two days.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bruce Billson, says US authorities are not allowing any consulate officials from any foreign governments into the area.

"Yes we are frustrated by not being given authority to enter into New Orleans where we do see some media outlets entering though other avenues, we are concerned about that," Mr Billson said.

"We've continued to press our case to the State Department and US authorities pointing out this seeming inconsistency.

"The explanation we are being given is that the media authorities are sneaking in under certain other avenues or access points."

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says authorities are moving out the sick and disabled first, and will then get to groups of able-bodied people, which include some Australians.

He has told Channel Nine that in the meantime, Australia is doing what it can to help its citizens caught up in the disaster.

"We have consular officials in Houston, Baton Rouge and now in Dallas, as well, and we're sending officials to San Antonio," he said.

"Of course where we don't have people is in New Orleans itself and we've been trying to get consular officials into New Orleans and the Americans aren't allowing that for the timebeing." More here.....