QUEENSLAND THE BIGGEST LOSER IN LABOR’S DISASTER FUNDING CUTS

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald has condemned the Albanese Government’s proposed changes to disaster recovery funding, warning the move will leave regional Queensland communities worse off when the next natural disaster strikes.

Senator McDonald said the Commonwealth’s plan to slash its contribution to disaster recovery costs would shift millions of dollars onto Queensland taxpayers and councils in the nation’s most disaster-prone state.

“Regional Queenslanders are once again being victimised by decisions made in Canberra,” Senator McDonald said.

“The Queensland LNP Government has confirmed Queensland is the worst off in the country under these changes, with hundreds of millions of dollars per year being cut from setting up evacuation centres and sandbagging, and disaster resilience works such as raising roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure.

“If Labor proceeds with these changes and reneges on its responsibilities, Queenslanders will face higher taxes and increased rates, deferral of critical projects or leave damaged infrastructure unrepaired.

“That means roads, bridges and community facilities will take longer to rebuild, leaving communities to live with the consequences of disasters for years.”

Senator McDonald said the funding changes were part of a broader pattern of the Albanese Government stepping back from disaster recovery and resilience efforts.

“Labor has already ruled out the use of the Australian Defence Force in disaster recovery operations,” she said.

“Now, the Government has withdrawn funding support for Disaster Relief Australia, an organisation of 7500 primarily veteran volunteers that has delivered extraordinary assistance and been the most effective resource available to disaster-affected communities when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Senator McDonald said she had witnessed the work of Disaster Relief Australia volunteers first-hand.

“I have met Disaster Relief Australia volunteers in Normanton, Burketown and Bloomfield and seen the tremendous work they do helping people recover after floods and other natural disasters,” Senator McDonald said.

“These volunteers turn up when communities are hurting. They help clear properties, remove debris, deliver food and fuel, support recovery efforts and provide practical assistance when it is needed most.

“Many of these volunteers are defence veterans who have the necessary experience to move into a region and camp with little or no facilities, and in tough conditions, and the training to operate in a structured and safe way.

“Perhaps most importantly, they can be deployed at disaster sites for weeks or even months at a time.

“Instead of utilising practical organisations like Disaster Relief Australia and standing alongside regional communities, Labor is cutting support and shifting costs.”

Senator McDonald urged the Albanese Labor Government to stop shirking its responsibilities.

“Regional Australians should not be left to carry the burden alone when disaster strikes,” she said.

“The Coalition has always supported regional Australia and has already announced a Regional Australia Future Fund should we win government. We will undo Labor’s damage and put Australians first.”

ENDS