Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Hansard source

As Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, I stand with other political parties to put on the record our thanks to our volunteers. We've had devastating fires that have burnt across large parts of New South Wales and Queensland, claiming three lives, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones who are so tragically affected. More than 30 people have been injured, including 20 firefighters. Our volunteers and paid responders, all professionals, continue to put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe. In some cases they've lost their own homes whilst they're out protecting others from the fires—fires that are having a devastating impact on many communities, and the lion's share of these communities are represented by National Party MPs right across regional New South Wales and Queensland. They're out there now on the ground, doing what they can do to support their communities.

There are Kevin Hogan and Michelle Landry, George Christensen worried about Bowen, and our new Nationals member for Cowper, the Kempsey boy, Pat Conaghan—his community has been through so much in the past week, and it isn't over for them yet as they mourn the loss of life. David Gillespie in Taree is with his community, and Barnaby Joyce and his community are grappling with the loss of life and the devastating impact on the Glen Innes community, which was the former home of Senator Wacka Williams. Llew O'Brien up in Wide Bay is also heavily impacted in Queensland.

This week these MPs are able to be with their communities to do what they can for them, and it shows that, in the midst of such hell, we've seen the very best of regional Australia stand up and support and aid their neighbours and friends. I'm sure everyone in the Senate will join us in thanking them and appreciating their efforts—the Rotary clubs; the Lions clubs; and the local branches of CWA, the Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul and the Salvos are all providing what comfort they can.

It isn't just the human toll. Community infrastructure, telecommunications and power infrastructure, bridges, schools and volunteer fire stations have been destroyed. More than 1,300 firefighters and support personnel, along with 77 aircraft, have been battling these fires. Evacuation centres have been established and remain active to support fire affected communities. Our first concern is for the safety and needs of those directly affected. People need to stay alert as fire weather conditions are predicted to worsen again tomorrow and through the rest of the week. We're also watching WA with concern.

I urge everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and follow advice from local emergency management authorities. If you're asked to leave by our authorities, for your safety, leave. Our government has made assistance available as quickly as we can. Minister David Littleproud has already acted to provide assistance both to support the front line and to provide financial assistance to individuals and communities.

We'll continue to support to disaster affected communities and stand ready to provide further assistance as required, because it's the right thing to do and because we're part of these communities. We're experiencing the shock, horror and exhaustion of the fires with our communities and we're wishing everyone the very best over the coming week.