Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

On the Monday I went to Raymond Terrace, to Maitland and to Dungog where people were killed, where homes were completely destroyed and where the inundation was something like I had never seen before. The farmers had not been able to access roads to clear away dead and drowned stock, so cattle and horses were still across the roads and everywhere else. Water was still preventing movement of a great number of people. In Dungog, in particular, tragically, one gentleman had saved five friends in his apartment block and lost his best friend. He was supported, amazingly, by the local community, state authorities and the Department of Human Services as well. In Dungog, food banks and clothing banks were set up.

Senator Cameron interjecting—

He is all yours, Senator Wong! Later in the week, when I was able to visit both Wyong and Gosford with the members for Dobell and Robertson—and previously of course with the member for Paterson—I found that those communities were very grateful for the contribution of all of those— (Time expired)

Senator Cameron interjecting—