Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Furner for his first supplementary question. The Gillard government has made the tough decisions to find the funds required to rebuild after these natural disasters and keep our economy strong. The Prime Minister has announced that the government will fund the reconstruction effort through $2.8 billion to be delivered through spending cuts and $1 billion to be delivered by delaying some infrastructure projects. Also, $1.8 billion will be provided by a modest one-year progressive levy, which will not be paid by people directly affected by these disasters or by those on incomes of less than $50,000.

For every $1 dollar raised through the levy $2 will be saved in the federal budget. The government will ensure that the funds are spent effectively and efficiently and that they are targeted to the areas where they are needed the most. That is the responsible thing to do to ensure that we join together to rebuild Queensland, which has suffered significantly under these natural disasters. (Time expired)