Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for his question. We have had discussions with New South Wales. Indeed, the minister, Minister Watt, is convening a meeting of all national emergency ministers in the coming month. Just this morning we signed off on some further support for people who have been victims of natural disasters, to make sure that that support flows. We'll continue to engage with New South Wales, as well as with other state governments. I will report back. I will speak directly to the Leader of the National Party, because I know that he's very sincere in his commitment there.

Frankly, the response has left communities, I know, in the Central West of New South Wales—I've had discussions with the member for Calare about these issues as well. I know that, in Lismore, as well, there are still people doing it really tough, and there we had a whole program, for example, of buying out people who were on flood plains who shouldn't be remaining there, because they just couldn't return to those homes.

These issues are complex. I will continue to work, though, with people across the chamber, as I do on these issues, and I will engage directly with the honourable member opposite.

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