Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I just want to roundly support the comments of Senator Urquhart. I think she needs to be given great recognition for her personal push to have this inquiry. I was privileged and devastated at the same time to be part of the inquiry and to hear the evidence that we received. There is a gaping hole in the support that is required by these remarkable Australians who are there to help our families.

I see members opposite perhaps not believing this, throwing their hands up in disbelief that there is some role for the federal government in this. This is Australia. Get on board. This is a country where all Australians matter. There shouldn't be a differentiation in service because you live in the north or the south. When people bleed out across this country and first responders get there, they don't care which government gives them support but they absolutely need it. That is a matter of public record. The efforts which Senator Urquhart has so eloquently given voice to, on behalf of Labor, are a really vital record of what this amazing group of people are doing around this country.

Once again, I wholeheartedly endorse everything said this afternoon by Senator Urquhart, and I think it is a great shame on this government. It's yet another example of this government absenting itself from a response to the real and pressing practical needs of Australians in a time of need. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.