PM Press Statement

As we gather today, hundreds of fire-fighters are responding to fires in Perth’s North-East.

 

The thoughts of all in this House I know are with the people of Western Australia - and especially with the firefighters who are working around the clock.

 

Over recent days - and as most recently as just the past hour, the Premier and I have been in regular contact. As have our respective ministers.

 

I can report that the Australian Government’s Disaster Response Plan has been activated, which means the Commonwealth has all of its resources ready to assist upon request of the Western Australian Government.

 

The Minister for Emergency Management has also activated the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and the Disaster Recovery Allowance.

 

The Disaster Recovery Payment will allow impacted individuals to receive an immediate cash payment of $1,000 for adults and $400 for children. This will be available through Services Australia from 8am tomorrow.

 

The Disaster Recovery Allowance will provide income support payments to individuals whose income has been affected - it includes employees, small business persons and farmers.

 

We are also working with the Western Australian Government on activating the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, which will provide further support for impacted families.

 

A short time ago, I was also briefed by the Director General of Emergency Management Australia, Joe Buffone, along with the Minister for Emergency Management, and the Members for Hasluck and Pearce. 

 

And I’ll just update you briefly on those fires.

 

I can report that over 70 homes, 71 at last count, and properties have been destroyed in the Wooroloo bushfire.

 

The fires have burned through over 9,400 hectares.

 

Thankfully, at this point no lives have been lost, and no one is believed to be unaccounted for - and for that we are deeply grateful.

 

Hundreds of people spent last night in evacuation centres, and we thank all of those - the Red Cross, volunteers providing support and kindness in those centres.

 

But there is danger still ahead.

 

As we speak, an emergency warning remains in place as the bushfire continues to move rapidly.

 

Adverse weather, including hot temperatures and gusty winds, is forecast to continue.

 

And as we speak, more than 220 firefighters are currently attending that fire.

 

Aerial support has also been sent to assist ground crews.

 

I can report that six firefighters have incurred injuries fighting these blazes - and our gratitude, love and support, and best wishes go out to them and to their families.

 

To everyone in those affected areas - we simply say, as you know, to please listen to and heed the advice of the official warnings and authorities.

 

And of course, as always, please look out for each other.

 

I know that it has been a hugely trying few days in Western Australia - not just with these terrible fires but of course the lockdown as well.

 

Everyone living in the Perth metropolitan area and the Peel and South West regions have demonstrated great patience and forbearance - playing their part to prevent the spread of COVID. 

 

Our thoughts are with our West Australians as they respond to the challenges before them.

 

Every Australian is standing with Western Australia.

 

And as always, we will get through this together.