Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cormann. Over the past week New South Wales and Queensland have been devastated by bushfires, leading to three people tragically losing their lives and countless more losing their homes. Weather forecasts are predicting that the situation will only worsen, both today and over coming days. As we all indicated yesterday, our thoughts are with all of those facing this immediate crisis and our thanks are with the crews and firefighters battling these fires across the country. In that context, I ask the minister to provide the Senate with an update on the current situation being faced by communities in New South Wales and Queensland.

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

I thank Senator Wong for that question. As we indicated yesterday, our first concern is for the safety and needs of those directly affected. Australians are at their best in difficult times like this. They show incredible spirit, heart and generosity. Our emergency services are once again showing their professionalism and dedication in the face of very difficult conditions, and we thank all the career and voluntary emergency services personnel fighting these fires. I acknowledge the comradeship on display through the contribution to the New South Wales firefighting efforts of interstate personnel from the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. The Australian government of course continues to stand ready to immediately assist communities impacted by bushfires. The clear advice that we give to our communities is to plan ahead and be prepared.

In terms of updates, devastating fires continue to burn across large parts of north-east New South Wales. It is important that people remain vigilant, with more than 70 fires still burning across the state. The New South Wales fires have had a devastating impact on the many affected communities. The New South Wales Rural Fire Service estimates that at least 150 structures have been lost, including a large number of homes. Other property damage and loss include telecommunications and power infrastructure, bridges and two schools. More than 1,300 firefighters and support personnel, along with 93 aircraft, have been battling these fires. The forecast for today is deeply worrying, and all Commonwealth agencies stand ready to assist state authorities and the community.

Catastrophic fire danger is forecast for the greater Sydney, greater Hunter, Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas today due to the worsening weather conditions. This is the first time such conditions have been forecast for Sydney since the new fire danger ratings were introduced in 2009. Catastrophic is the highest level of bushfire danger. It means that homes are not designed to withstand the fire under those conditions and, if a fire takes hold during catastrophic fire conditions, lives and homes will be lost. In Queensland, fires of concern are continuing to burn. In South-East Queensland 12 homes have been confirmed as destroyed. Lives and property are—

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

Order, Senator Cormann. Senator Wong, a supplementary question?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the minister for his answer. He, in his answer, referenced assistance being provided, or offered, by other states. I ask him to detail, if he's able to, the offers of assistance from other states and also other countries, and how those offers are being facilitated.

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

I thank Senator Wong for that supplementary question. As I've indicated, there have been offers of support, which have been greatly appreciated, from a number of jurisdictions into New South Wales, in particular, and into Queensland out of the ACT, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. With respect to the next question, both Senator Reynolds and Senator McKenzie will provide further updates in relation to support provided through our defence forces and, indeed, provide a more thorough update, going through all of the detail in relation to support provided in relevant local communities.

I should also say, in terms of providing further update, that in Western Australia we remain concerned. Severe to extreme fire danger is forecast today over southern and central—

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

Order, Senator Cormann. Senator Wong, a final supplementary question?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In addition to bushfires in New South Wales and Queensland, warnings have been issued or are present in other parts of the country, such as Western Australia and also parts of South Australia. Can the minister update the Senate on the status of bushfire warnings in other states and territories?

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

As I was just indicating, we continue to watch Western Australia, and other parts of Australia, with concern. In relation to Western Australia, there is severe to extreme fire danger forecast today over southern and central fire-weather areas. In relation to South Australia, it might well be that Senator McKenzie has further updates. I don't have any specific updates in front of me today.

May I also advise the chamber that in terms of Emergency Management Australia, firebombing aircraft continue to be in action against these fires. Our national aerial firefighting arrangements are ensuring the best possible aerial firefighting equipment is available to protect Australians. And, of course, defence is available to provide support. Senator Reynolds will provide further information in relation to this. Royal Australian Air Force aircraft have transported firefighters from Canberra—