I am speechless.
Today's announcement by the Prime Minister and Premier of Category C & D disaster funding for people and communities across the Hastings, MidCoast and Hunter area fails any measure of a fair and decent response.
Both say that the funding is in recognition of the "recent severe flooding" yet the funding falls far short of the severity of the event.
Both the Prime Minister and Premier have visited the area, along with swarms of Ministers and other public servants. How could they not assess the disaster as requiring the same response and level of support provided to Lismore in 2022 where payments of $75,000 were provided straight up, rather than in increments?
Farmers across the region are facing individual losses of well over $1 million and the impact on the dairy industry is so significant it will have economic implications for Australia.
Small business owners and operators are a long way from refitting offices, replacing IT equipment or stock let alone keeping their staff employed.
Taree Showground - a community owned asset - needs hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair infrastructure, replace electrical switchboards and pumps. This is just one of our not-for-profit organisations facing a mountain of costs.
I can't even describe the situation for residents who have lost everything. What will $25,000 get them?
Today's announcement is a pittance in the face of the disaster. It's late and it's not going to touch the sides of what is needed. How do Governments expect anyone to make decisions to rebuild, restart, recommit and go on in the face of this level of assistance?
I am disappointed and angry for the people and communities I represent.
We deserve and demand a fair and fast response.
Both levels of Government can and must do better.
