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

I, and also on behalf of Senators O'Sullivan, Stoker, Macdonald, Canavan, Moore, Watt, Ketter, Chisholm and Hanson, move:

That the Senate—

(a) recognises the severe impact that flooding in North Queensland and the Gulf region has had on families, businesses, agricultural producers and the transport industry;

(b) notes with regret that in excess of an estimated 300,000 head of livestock have perished due to the floods;

(c) further notes the long-term effects this will have on the livestock industry in North Queensland and the Gulf; and

(d) commends the Federal, state and local Governments for the assistance provided to flood-stricken communities thus far, whilst noting that sustained support will be needed to allow affected communities and industries to properly recover.

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

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

Armageddon has come to Queensland. The consequences of the recent flooding are far-reaching, with the full impacts still not entirely clear. What is clear is that families are hurting, livestock has been decimated, infrastructure has been damaged and for some time the people of north-west and North Queensland will need help. Natural disasters like this are above politics. We would like the people of Queensland to know that, although we are down here, we will always fight for you and do what we can to help.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Nothing invites bipartisanship in this place and across government more than the impacts of a natural disaster on any part of the Australian community, and of course Labor joins with all in the Senate to support this motion. There have been reports that there has been a death in Townsville due to a person contracting a dangerous soil-borne disease and that this risk has increased due to the floods. It reminds us all that the current situation is critical and will have ongoing long-term effects. The opposition stands with the government as one, ready to do anything we can to assist those who need help.

Question agreed to.