STATEMENT ON INDULGENCE ON THE QUEENSLAND AND NEW SOUTH WALES FLOODS

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 

TUESDAY, 12 MAY 2015

*** CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY ***

 

Thank you Madam Speaker, and I thank the Prime Minister for his words.

 

On behalf of the Opposition, I once again send our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in the storms and floods that have lashed New South Wales and Queensland.

 

As the Prime Minister has said, Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with citizens of Queensland and New South Wales who were affected by this weather.

 

They begin the difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding their homes, businesses and communities.

 

We salute and recognise the tireless courage of emergency services personnel and SES volunteers who once again entered the fray, putting the lives and safety of others above their own.

 

And I commend the Prime Minister and Premiers Baird and Palaszczuk for their swift response. We offer our full support in doing everything necessary as has been occurring to help Australians at this difficult time.

 

Madam Speaker.

 

Australians know Mother Nature at her spectacular best and her spectacular worst.

 

They know rising flood waters and furious winds will again test their resilience just as drought does – and we know they will rise to the task.

 

We know that the brave men and women of our emergency services and SES will again stand ready to risk their lives for others.

 

We know that this is not the last time Australians will come together as neighbours and communities to help tear up muddy carpets, hose down shop floors and rebuild homes and lives.

 

Madam Speaker

 

Be it drought, or flood, or storm, we know this will be not be the last time that our Parliament pauses to reflect and to grieve for those who suffer and those who have due to the elements.

 

And we know they will never be forgotten.

 

ENDS
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