Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

Clearly, the bushfire crisis was devastating for the impacted communities, and continues to be devastating. There's no question. But the Australian government, working with relevant state governments, is doing everything we can to provide appropriate levels of support. Over $271 million was paid directly to families and individuals in direct support. over $237 million was paid to more than 195,000 eligible individuals in disaster recovery payments and disaster recovery allowances, as at 13 May. Over $33 million in payments was made for over 3,000 impacted children. There are many other things that we have done. But nothing that I can say—and, you know, Senator Watt is not asking this question out of genuine, sincere concern. He's asking this question—