PRIME MINISTER MUST RELAX FLOOD RECOVERY RULES

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald and Shadow Emergency Management Minister, Senator Ross Cadell have urged the Albanese Labor Government to follow the North West Queensland flood response blueprint laid out by the Coalition after similar floods in 2019.

Following the announcement that recovery funding had been expanded, and ahead of a visit to impacted shires, Senator McDonald said speed and timing of funding was paramount.

“We welcome the funding announcement because it reflects how important it is that these communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible to provide the food and fibre our country needs,” she said.

“But we strongly urge the Albanese Government to not let this funding be held up by bureaucratic process.

“I was in North West Queensland in 2019 after floods hit, and I have been told by countless local people that the speed with which funding was made available made a huge difference.

“Furthermore, the funds were made available proactively, not retrospectively, so graziers had money in the bank to make the purchases they needed to get going again.

“The blueprint for effective flood recovery is there, the Prime Minister should not allow politics to prevent him from using it.”

Senator Cadell will also visit impacted shires and said the Government’s motto should be ‘Less paperwork, more action’ especially in relation to practical recovery measures and healthcare.

“After the waters recede and the cleanup is complete, mental health will be a major issue and this is made worse if money isn’t available to restock, repair fences and replace machinery,” he said.

“The enhanced package announced recently is fantastic, but it’s of no use if graziers and businesses have to navigate mountains of red tape to access it.”

Senator McDonald added that repairing the damaged Cloncurry Airport should be prioritised.

“I know the Cloncurry Shire Council has had multiple applications knocked back over the years for funding to upgrade the airstrip and only now after it has been destroyed do the funds become available,” she said.

“Getting the runway back online must be prioritised and whatever work is done should be future-proof.”

ENDS