Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to make my contribution on this motion and to associate myself with the comments of others who have expressed their sincere condolences to those affected by these most extraordinary weather events that have impacted across the county. I note the stark contrast between the fires in Western Australia and the floods in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania—though it was much more of a fleeting event at home than it has been for some, particularly those living along the Murray. To see the images of these events and the impacts on people, one cannot but reflect on the very tragic circumstances that so many people now find themselves in.

The enormity of the weather system that was Cyclone Yasi wrought complete devastation on Far North Queensland. But the positive outcomes for those who had prepared and were able to protect themselves and their properties compared with the utter devastation for some people who were unable to prepare for the impact of the floods is quite dramatic. To see the pictures of that and to hear the stories that have filtered out about the impact on communities, businesses and individuals certainly makes one reflect. I want to add my voice to those who have contributed to this debate in support of the motion.

I want to comment on the extraordinary support from those who came to assist with the clean-up, particularly in Brisbane after the floods when the water receded. It was heartening to see how willing people were to provide a hand to people they did not know. There was an extraordinary level of community support. In some circumstances people flew across the country to come to the aid of their fellow Australians. I was really heartened to find that that occurred in my home state of Tasmania following some very sudden flood events. A family came into my office on the Monday morning afterwards—a lady with a family of four who had spent the weekend living in a car because a metre and a half of water had gone through their house. Their possessions were destroyed.

I do not want to get into a size of disaster debate because that is not appropriate and none of us want to go there, but I do want to place on the record that the good and the bad occurred across Australia out of these events. I cite one example where a business said, ‘The floods have been through and have wiped my business out.’ But on the Monday morning after, they turned up at the site and found people ready to start work. A contractor with his truck and his men turned up and said, ‘I am here for the week to help you reconstruct your business’. Over a couple of weeks the local fire brigade and the local community allowed that business to reopen—thus maintaining employment in that local community, which is so important.

The impact of these weather events on roads and infrastructure has been replicated across the country. An extraordinary weather system hit Australia over this summer. I place on the record my condolences to all of those families and communities who have been impacted by this event. I commend the comments of my colleagues on both sides of the chamber and I commend the motion to the Senate.