Anne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Bilyk, I move;

That the Senate—

(a)   notes:

(i)   the devastating and destructive impact of bushfires in Tasmania which are affecting the people of Tasmania and destroying Tasmanian wilderness areas,

(ii)   grave concern for the survival of Indigenous cultural heritage sites in the area, as well as precious flora and fauna, and

(iii)   the unwavering commitment and hard work of the Tasmanian Fire Service, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, SES and volunteers for their resilience and exceptional efforts responding to this natural disaster; and

(b)   thanks the Tasmanian Fire Service, the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, SES and volunteers for their resilience, unwavering commitment and exceptional efforts responding to this natural disaster.

Notice of motion altered on 22 February 2016 pursuant to standing order 77.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition applauds the tireless work of approximately 350 Tasmanian personnel from the Tasmanian Fire Service, Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service and Forestry Tasmania fighting the fires, especially given the inaccessibility by land and because of weather, even air. We also commend the efforts of Emergency Management Australia for their responsiveness on behalf of the Commonwealth. The impressive effort also includes 148 interstate and New Zealand firefighters, four fixed-wing aircraft, including large air tankers, 35 helicopters, large and medium water bombers, personnel carriers and reconnaissance. The coalition wholeheartedly supports the priority effort to protect lives and property in Tasmania and notes that Tasmania continues to identify areas of high ecological value and cultural significance for protection. The Australian government is providing $14.8 million annually to increase national aerial firefighting capability. The Prime Minister has also offered an additional $500,000 to extend national area firefighting capability this summer. Question agreed to.