Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. Minister, many communities across Australia are being impacted by flood, in some areas for the second time this year. What is the government doing to support flood affected local government in these areas?

Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to thank the member for Bendigo, who is experiencing floods in her own region, for the work she's done with her community. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Minister Murray Watt for the work that he has done since entering government. We've had multiple natural disasters and we've had agricultural issues, and his swift response in mobilising the ADF and getting payments out so quickly should be congratulated. As a former mayor who experienced nine declared natural disasters in four years, I'm very aware of the important role that local governments play in supporting their communities through disaster but also into recovery. We're thinking of all those communities, particularly those in and around Lismore, who have felt multiple floods on numerous occasions already this year. We know you're fatigued, and we know it takes a toll on your communities.

The former government stood on the hose of disaster relief payments. They slowed financial assistance to local government down to a trickle, especially when local governments were struggling to help their communities through very difficult times. The Albanese government is providing financial help—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The minister will resume her seat. The Manager of Opposition Business on a point of order?

Paul Fletcher (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That was a simply appalling statement, Mr Speaker, and she should be asked to withdraw.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Resume your seat.

Government members interjecting—

Order! Members on my right! The minister was asked a question regarding communities impacted by floods and what the minister is doing for flood affected local areas. I ask her to return to that question.

Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Albanese government is providing financial support to people in Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales affected by extensive and ongoing flooding, and we are doing so quickly. More than 100 local government areas have been activated for the disaster recovery allowance since 14 September, and a further 30 local government areas have been activated for the Australian government disaster recovery payment. I have called numerous mayors in flood affected areas to let them know the Albanese government stands ready to help.

As heavy rainfall eases across north-east New South Wales, additional rainfall is now moving down towards the South Coast of New South Wales and eastern Victoria. The rain is impacting already saturated landscapes, including many that already have floods in their area.

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Wannon will cease interjecting.

Kristy McBain (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are evacuation orders in place for lower North Lismore, with multiple emergency warnings across New South Wales. My message is simply: please listen to the authorities. Heed their warnings and advice. We are working closely with state and territory governments to support those impacted local government areas and their communities to provide practical and timely on-ground assistance. People in local government areas affected by these floods can access disaster assistance payments through Services Australia. We currently have a bill before parliament that will transform the former government's failed Emergency Response Fund into a dedicated, ongoing source of funding for natural disaster resilience and risk reduction initiatives. Not only is it important to be there for communities at the time of disasters; it's important to be there to assist them to prepare for what's coming in the future, and that is what the Albanese Labor government is doing.