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

We stand with Queenslanders as bushfires continue to burn across the state, threatening homes and communities. Fortunately, there has been no loss of life, but these are, clearly, very difficult and distressing hours and days for Queenslanders. They have our thoughts and prayers, along with the men and women fighting these fires, many of whom have travelled from other states and territories to provide assistance. Our emergency services are, once again, showing their professionalism and dedication in the face of incredibly difficult conditions. We—and I'm sure that I speak for everyone in the Senate—thank all the career and volunteer emergency services personnel fighting these fires.

Queenslanders are known for their resilience in dealing with extreme weather, but these are unprecedented fire conditions for Queensland. The Deepwater bushfire has burnt more than 20,000 hectares, and multiple properties, sheds and assets have been destroyed. I urge everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and follow the advice from local emergency management authorities. Our advice to everyone is to listen to the radio and monitor emergency agency websites and social media channels for information. We echo the request of Queensland authorities and ask that those evacuating their homes move quickly and calmly and do not return home until they are advised it is safe to do so.

These are times when Australians come together, facing up to the challenge in front of us. There is always an appropriate time to have other conversations, and I'm sure that other conversations will take place in the days, weeks and months to come. But today we stand with all Queenslanders who fight these fires. (Time expired)