Australia will provide up to $1 million in initial emergency humanitarian assistance to help the people of Fiji recover from the devastation and destruction caused by Cyclone Tomas.

Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith said there are reports of widespread damage, especially in the Northern parts of Fiji.

Following an official request for assistance from the Fiji Government, Smith said Australia will send emergency relief supplies to Fiji.

An Australian Defence Force C 130 is expected to depart from Richmond base as soon as weather permits.

A commercial flight will also be available if required.

The Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated clearance will be given for the Australian Defence Force to land in Fiji and provide immediate support.

In addition to the delivery of goods the aircraft could be involved in surveying damaged areas and providing medical evacuations.

The aircraft will carry supplies such as tarpaulins for shelter, water purification tablets and water containers.

Smith said Australia will also provide funding to Fiji's National Disaster Management Office to charter transport such as helicopters and boats to deliver much needed relief supplies to remote communities.

He said the Fiji Red Cross will receive funding to distribute emergency supplies already in storage in Fiji, and enable the local purchase of other essential supplies.

Smith said last night he spoke to New Zealand Foreign Minister, Murray McCully, to discuss assistance to Fiji in the wake of the cyclone.

He said Australia and New Zealand will work closely to coordinate our response.

Smith has also revealed that Australia will consider further assistance for reconstruction once damage has been more fully assessed.