Media Release

Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter agrees that support must be given to those affected by the 2011 floods, but questions whether imposing another levy on Australians is the right way to go.

"We have made no final decision, but we are in agreement that we, like most other Australians, would like to help out those impacted by the devastating floods.

"However, in 2009 a vast crocodile‐infested inland sea covered the Gulf country for three months ‐ the most extensive flooding in NQ history – yet we got little assistance, wiped like a dirty rag.

"According to media reports nine people died, 1000 head of stock were drowned or died of starvation, and millions of dollars worth of fruit and vegetables were thrown out, unable to reach southern markets.

"We should be charitable toward south‐east Qld, but we should also ensure that the same charity can be offered to the people of Nth QLD when they suffer similar tragedy.

"A one‐off flood levy is a quick fix – we need a government brave enough to fund those impacted by natural disasters on an ongoing basis.

"This should not be done on a basis of politicians’ viciousness or a popularity contest. It can’t just be implemented every time a major population centre suffers.

"The other element, which is a pre‐requisite as far as I’m concerned, is money for replanting and reconstruction in agriculture – particularly grains, sugar and mangoes. In 2010, the wet tropics suffered one of the worst wets in history – some areas received more than seven metres of rain.

"Farmers losing crops is just the same as businesses losing stock."