Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Chisholm, Watt, Ketter and Moore, I move—

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) the enduring and lasting impact that Tropical Cyclone Debbie has had on communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales,

  (ii) that the cost of recovery for families, businesses and communities is a shared responsibility of local, state and federal governments and the insurance industry, and that each has an important role to play,

  (iii) that the Queensland Government has proposed $110 million in additional funding to support projects which will boost economic growth, help communities get back on their feet and assist in preventing further damage from future extreme weather events, including, South Rockhampton Flood Levee, the Whitsunday Coast Airport and the Shute Harbour Revitalisation, and

  (iv) that the Federal Government has chosen not to match this funding through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) Category D; and

(b) calls on the Prime Minister to review these decisions, and provide matched funding from either the NDRRA or from other appropriate sources to ensure these vital projects are supported.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) 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.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before any reconsideration of category D funding by the Prime Minister, the government requires further information from Queensland. We are yet to receive that advice, and we call on the Queensland government to supply this information as soon as possible. It is important to note, however, that the coalition government is already funding 75 per cent of Cyclone Debbie's damage bill, currently estimated to amount to $683 million, and it has provided more than $16.8 million to individuals through Commonwealth-only disaster payments. Our disaster arrangements exist to alleviate damage caused as a direct result of a disaster, not fund new large-scale infrastructure projects. We have a responsibility to Australian taxpayers to ensure these vital funds are used appropriately.

Question agreed to.