Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government’s priority is to rebuild the essential infrastructure that has been destroyed or damaged as a consequence of these massive—the most substantial in Australian history—natural disasters; to assist in the economic recovery and the rebuilding of lives, businesses and communities throughout Australia; and to return to normality as soon as possible. There is a total bill of approximately $5.6 billion. This is a truly massive set of natural disasters. The government’s package to rebuild the regions is the right thing to do and we will be introducing, as has been referred to by my colleague Senator Wong, essential funding initiatives to assist in delivering this $5.6 billion. I also add that, in respect to the tourism industry in Queensland, a $10 million jointly funded special package was announced last week. (Time expired)