David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek to add to a response I gave in question time yesterday relating to the Emergency Response Fund. The member for Eden-Monaro asked about spending from the Emergency Response Fund this financial year. In responding to the member, I framed my answer in the context of our meeting on 29 September, where I invited the member to submit suggestions for the use of this fund. The member has provided suggestions that have been forwarded to the department. In answering, I stated:

… we invited all members, no matter their political persuasion, to put forward those programs.

I clarify that we have not formally corresponded with those opposite inviting suggestions but have continually said that we will continue to engage with members from both sides and have done so. I continue to stress that this should be above politics.