Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

As serious as the Asian honey bee issue is, I am not sure it is a direct consequence of floods, Senator Macdonald. It is a serious issue but I think you are interjecting in the wrong debate. There is a massive task ahead to rebuild large parts of Australia. This will be ongoing and a long-term process. This was one of the largest, if not the largest, natural disaster in Australian history. We have estimated the costs involved for government at all levels—local, state and Commonwealth—will require some $5.6 billion in rebuilding flood affected regions, with more than $5 billion being required for rebuilding essential infrastructure. We are determined to follow through for those Australians directly affected by recent disasters and we are determined to revive economic community for the regions and for the benefit of our economy as a whole. (Time expired)