Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that the names of Senators Askew, Urquhart, Bilyk, Singh, Brown and Polley be added to general business notice of motion No. 1414, relating to the Tasmanian bushfires. I, and also on behalf of Senators Duniam, Abetz, Askew, Urquhart, Bilyk, Singh, Brown and Polley, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

  (i) the hardship suffered by all Tasmanian communities affected by bushfires over the last two months, including the Huon Valley, Derwent Valley, West Coast, Central Highlands and North West communities,

  (ii) the loss of homes, property and livelihoods, as well as the damage caused to approximately 200,000 hectares of land, including productive forests and also areas in the Wilderness World Heritage Area, and

  (iii) the extraordinary resilience of our community and emergency service personnel in responding to these tragic circumstances;

(b) acknowledges:

  (i) the Tasmanian Fire Service and all their personnel for the-professionalism and dedication they have shown in keeping Tasmanians safe,

  (ii) the volunteer fire brigades who have sacrificed so much to protect their neighbours and put themselves in harm's way for their communities,

  (iii) the Parks and Wildlife Service for their skill in protecting Tasmania's wilderness heritage values while battling extremely remote and difficult conditions, and

  (iv) the thousands of Tasmanians and Australians who have contributed their time, money, resources and assistance to caring for the victims of the bushfires, including from interstate, and also international assistance; and

(c) resolves to continue supporting the state of Tasmania as the disaster moves from response to recovery through the formal Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to get these families and communities back on their feet as they begin the process of rebuilding.

Question agreed to.