Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I join with the Prime Minister in expressing concern at what are catastrophic events in Queensland and northern New South Wales. As of 8 am this morning, some 55 fires were still burning in Queensland and 47 across New South Wales. These are the worst fires at this time of the year in some 130 years. Disaster has been declared in Binna Burra, Canungra and Beechmont. More than 3,600 hectares have burnt in Sarabah, approximately 2,000 of those hectares in Greater Stanthorpe. There have been 17 houses destroyed in Queensland and 24 houses damaged. Eighty-five-year-old Binna Burra Lodge has been extensively damaged. Lush tropical rainforest has been burnt. Conditions, we hope, should ease on Wednesday. Hopefully the worst is behind us, but it certainly is not all over.

It is very early in the season, but conditions are dry and there is very little rain forecast over the next four months. Queenslanders are bracing for the most catastrophic fire season in recorded history. I spoke to Premier Palaszczuk on Saturday and certainly offered my support and Labor's support, and I'm sure we are all united in offering support across the parliament to people at this difficult time.

In New South Wales five homes have been destroyed. The Armidale fire covers more than 55,000 hectares and has a perimeter of some 100 kilometres. The Shark Creek fire is running out of control, and the New South Wales Rural Fire Service has given an emergency warning. Volunteer firefighter Neville Smith suffered burns while fighting a fire near Tenterfield, in the member for New England's electorate. It's a reminder of the incredible work that not only emergency services workers but also volunteers do at this critical time. He's in a critical but stable condition in Royal Brisbane Hospital. We send all our best wishes to him and, of course, his family at this difficult time.

The opposition stands ready to offer support to whatever the government, through the Prime Minister or the minister responsible, Minister Littleproud, deems worthy. This is a real challenge and at this time of the year points towards an ominous spring and summer coming up. We just hope that the worst of predictions do not come true.

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