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

I had a discussion with the Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, last night about the flood situation developing in Queensland, particularly in the member for Maranoa's electorate—and I had a discussion with the Leader of the National Party earlier today. I assured the Premier that of course we would continue to work together on these issues and that the support of the national government would be there, as it always is in a time of crisis or when it is needed.

At this stage, we have not received any requests for further support, but our hearts go out to and thoughts are with the people affected—particularly those on the cattle stations in the member for Maranoa's electorate. One of the issues occurring there, as the Premier informed me, is that a relatively lower level of rainfall—when compared with what we have seen on the coast—can have a much bigger impact because the area is so dry on some of those stations and around those towns. The water also stays at an increased level for much longer. So our thoughts are with the farmers and the communities affected by this.

I know that the Minister for Emergency Management, Senator McAllister, has been in touch with the Premier of Queensland as well, and with the Leader of The Nationals as the local member, and we'll continue to work on these issues. The seamless work that was done between the national government, the Queensland and New South Wales governments and the respective mayors in the communities was, I think, best practice over recent months. I have assured the Premier that, regardless of the circumstances and status of the government, if I can put it that way, we will continue to make sure that support is available over coming weeks should it be needed.

David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I thank the Prime Minister and, in particular, Senator McAllister for the proactive way that they've dealt not just with me but with the local community. This morning I spoke to the mayor of Winton Shire, Cathy White, who assured me that all is being done at a state and federal level and that they were confident that, despite some damage to many stations out there, much of the benefit of this will come after the water recedes; it has been dry. In fact, one station hand said that for the first time they had to use a calculator to work out the amount of rain they've received, they've had so much rain. There is a silver lining to this, and everything has been done.

I would also say to every Australian that the other silver lining is that, as we come into our tourist season for Winton Shire, Longreach, Quilpie and Birdsville, from Easter onwards you will be able to get out and spend your dollars in the Queensland outback. We need you to go out there. We need you to spend a dollar. The federal government, state government and local government are doing all they need to to make sure you can do that safely.