Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My community is feeling betrayed. The money promised by the federal and state governments for the Resilient Homes Program is half what was initially promised. Many of those hoping to get funding for a house buyback, a relocation, a house raising or a retrofit now look as if they will miss out. I recently asked people to sign a petition calling on the government to fully fund the Resilient Homes Program. Thousands have done so.

To remind everyone: my community suffered the biggest natural disaster in Australia's history. Thousands of people, 18 months on, are still not properly back in their homes. They are in caravans, staying with family or friends, or scraping together whatever they can. There is still no clear plan on what is going to happen for these families and/or their homes.

We also need flood mitigation proposals. We need families and businesses to feel safe. The Prime Minister said no-one would be left behind. Right now, many in my community are feeling left behind. The Prime Minister and the government need to show leadership. They promised to stand by communities and fully support all necessary funding, and this needs to happen urgently. I thank all the community members for their support in signing the petition, and I seek leave to table the petition.

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The petition has not been approved by the Petitions Committee?

Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No.

Leave granted.

Sharon Claydon (Newcastle, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The document will now be forwarded to the Petitions Committee for its consideration, and it will be accepted subject to confirmation by the committee that it conforms with the standing orders.