Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Cash. Today, residents of South-East Queensland and northern New South Wales face more flooding. Evacuation orders were issued in a number of Northern Rivers towns. Residents are still cleaning up from last month's devastating floods, in which they were abandoned by this Prime Minister. What will Mr Morrison do to make sure these flood victims are not abandoned by his government yet again?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Sheldon for the question. In relation to the question, Senator Sheldon, I completely reject what you have just said. This government has not forgotten the people in the floods. In fact, what I would say is that the floods that occurred in late February and early March have caused devastation throughout northern New South Wales and the southern Queensland area on a scale that has not been seen, as we all know, since 2011. In response to this devastating flood, the Australian government is providing over $2.5 billion in financial support.

To ensure Senator Sheldon does understand that the Australian government is working with both the New South Wales and Queensland governments: in relation to the provision of our financial support, as at 28 March—only yesterday—$1.3 billion has been paid to over 1.4 million Australians. That is through the Australian government disaster recovery payment, the special supplement and the disaster recovery allowance. There has been $291 million of 100 per cent Commonwealth funded direct support for those affected by the floods in New South Wales and Queensland. You would be aware that this is in addition to targeted support announced for each state. I could go on, but, Senator Sheldon, this government is working with New South Wales and Queensland to ensure that we respond appropriately. (Time expired)

Slade Brockman (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, a supplementary question?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

When Lismore flooded a month ago, residents had to use their own boats and crowdfund private helicopters to rescue each other, and they were left to clean up on their own. As a Lismore community worker said in the aftermath, 'Where is the government?' Why does Scott Morrison always abandon Australians when they need him?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) | Link to this | Hansard source

Again I completely reject the premise of the question. I have outlined for you the significant financial support that the government is providing to those that have been affected by the devastation caused by the floods. That type of flooding has not been seen since 2011.

But the Australian government has taken significant action, as we often hear Senator McKenzie outline in this chamber. In particular, Senator Sheldon, the following actions have been taken—and this is in addition to the $2.5 billion that we are providing in financial support in response to the devastating flood. The COMDISPLAN was activated, as you know, on 25 February. We activated the national emergency declaration on 11 March 2022. (Time expired)

Slade Brockman (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Sheldon, a final supplementary question?

Tony Sheldon (NSW, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister fled to Hawaii during the Black Summer. He didn't order vaccines. He didn't order RATs. He didn't show up for floods last month. Why does Scott Morrison always leave Australians to fend for themselves when people most need help?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) | Link to this | Hansard source

Again, Mr President, this is what you get from Labor: nothing more and nothing less than actually politicising events in which this government is working on the ground with the New South Wales government and the Queensland government. This government will stand by Australians every step of the way.

Senator Sheldon, if I took you through on a portfolio-by-portfolio basis, I could assure you that this is a government that does back Australians every single step of the way. This is a government that believes in the resilience of the Australian people. This is a government that, faced with a global pandemic, has ensured that we took those decisions that would protect both Australia and Australians, whether it was JobSeeker, JobKeeper or the health response. When it comes to the devastating floods, we are again working with the affected people on the ground to ensure that they get the support their require.