Brendan Nelson (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, I rise to support strongly the remarks of the Prime Minister in relation to the floods in Mackay. For people there to have 600 millimetres of rain in a six-hour period is nothing short of extraordinary, as well as winds of 90 kilometres an hour. To see families with their belongings, at least what is left of them, on their front lawns and all of the tragedy which has beset them in a material and emotional sense would move every Australian to support all initiatives by the Queensland and Australian governments to support these families.

I urge all Australians to give generously to the Premier’s appeal. I think Queensland Premier Bligh has done a very good job in supporting those communities in Mackay and, more recently, in Emerald and Charleville, which have also been affected by flood. I urge all Australians to add to the $1 million which is now in that fund.

Two thousand homes and more than 100 businesses have been affected and/or damaged or destroyed. In a community like Mackay that is nothing short of devastating. I support any initiatives the Australian government has taken, which I know includes a $1,000 payment for families and $400 for children, and all of the other initiatives that will be necessary. Our thoughts are very much with the people of Mackay.

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