5 years ago
LABOR SECURES INCREASE TO DISASTER MITIGATION FUNDING
Senator Murray Watt
Australian communities will be better prepared to face the threats from natural disasters this summer, because of commitments Labor has secured from the Government, to significantly increase the amount of money spend on disaster preparedness.
Under these commitments, the Government will now increase the funding available under its proposed Emergency Response Fund from $150 million per year, to $200 million per year.
The extra $50 million will be dedicated to improving disaster preparedness, by funding a range of risk reduction works.
This is a 33% increase in the size of the funds available and guarantees funding for mitigation works before disasters hit.
These new funds could be used to pay for flood levees, sea walls, fire breaks and other infrastructure. This would reduce the financial and emotional toll of future disasters on residents, businesses and taxpayers.
The Government has also agreed to a new $50 million investment to upgrade TAFE facilities, to be matched by participating States and Territories.
After years of Federal Government neglect, this funding - secured by Labor - will be an important shot in the arm for TAFE facilities, around Australia.
Having secured these commitments, Labor will support the Government’s Emergency Response Fund in the Senate today.
With bushfires already devastating many Australian communities and people losing their homes and livelihoods in many parts of the country, we need to do more to shield homes and businesses from the impact of future natural disasters.
This is exactly what Governments are elected to do and after years of Government inaction, leaving thousands of Australians exposed, Labor has secured crucial investment for communities at risk of natural disasters.
Labor remains disappointed that the Government will abolish the nation building Education Investment Fund, which has supported important education and research infrastructure around the country.
Under these commitments, the Government will now increase the funding available under its proposed Emergency Response Fund from $150 million per year, to $200 million per year.
The extra $50 million will be dedicated to improving disaster preparedness, by funding a range of risk reduction works.
This is a 33% increase in the size of the funds available and guarantees funding for mitigation works before disasters hit.
These new funds could be used to pay for flood levees, sea walls, fire breaks and other infrastructure. This would reduce the financial and emotional toll of future disasters on residents, businesses and taxpayers.
The Government has also agreed to a new $50 million investment to upgrade TAFE facilities, to be matched by participating States and Territories.
After years of Federal Government neglect, this funding - secured by Labor - will be an important shot in the arm for TAFE facilities, around Australia.
Having secured these commitments, Labor will support the Government’s Emergency Response Fund in the Senate today.
With bushfires already devastating many Australian communities and people losing their homes and livelihoods in many parts of the country, we need to do more to shield homes and businesses from the impact of future natural disasters.
This is exactly what Governments are elected to do and after years of Government inaction, leaving thousands of Australians exposed, Labor has secured crucial investment for communities at risk of natural disasters.
Labor remains disappointed that the Government will abolish the nation building Education Investment Fund, which has supported important education and research infrastructure around the country.