Media Release

Member for Kennedy Bob Katter this morning welcomed the Cyclone Yasi disaster recovery package announced in a joint statement from the Federal and State Governments.

"I want to thank very sincerely the Prime Minister and the Treasurer," Mr Katter said. "The discussions with the Treasurer were very positive right from the start.

"This is a government under a lot of pressure and this package that has been put forward has been faithful to the discussions that we had throughout last week – they have been true to their word and honoured their commitment.

"We are deeply grateful that people who were looking down the gun barrel of the dole will be able to have meaningful employment with award wages, which is vital for the recovery of the banana industry and all commercial enterprises.

"We thank the Premier for announcing a North Qld controller who will exercise her personal authority on the ground and we want to especially thank Julia Gillard, who agreed to give us similar arrangements on day one of the Cyclone Yasi recovery.

"The appointment of Chief Superintendent Mike Keating, who will have the authority of the Prime Minister and Premier, will make a world of difference in dealing with the disaster recovery.

"I’m also appreciative of Tony Abbott and the Coalition – they did not turn this into a political football.

"I’ll be continuing my own visitations to people on the ground and the meetings with people who may be having difficulties and giving assurances that there will be no nitpicking crossing of ‘t’s and dotting of ‘i’s with the forms and guidelines.

"I ask administrators to remember the old adage: rules are made for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools."