Alex Hawke Mp Speech in Federal Parliament
Following is an excerpt of a recent speech I made in Federal Parliament – North West Sydney floods.
I rise to talk about the impact of the recent heavy rain and flooding that has occurred in parts of north-west Sydney, affecting my electorate of Mitchell and adjoining communities. I want to acknowledge the incredible work of people who have worked within our system, our community, who have come together to help out during this severe weather system and ongoing tragedy.
Our thoughts are also with the neighbouring communities who have been badly affected and are suffering, impacted by the record rainfall, the one-in-50-year flooding and the Hawkesbury River overflowing. I want to thank Daniel McGovern, the Hills SES commander, and every single one of the Hills SES volunteers who are out on the ground doing their absolute best against a very difficult emergency situation. We’ve seen the pictures on TV of emergency personnel upturned in boats, putting their lives on the line—they’re doing it all the time to protect life and property—and selflessly working to make sure people are safe and fed.
I want to thank the Castle Hill RSL for opening its doors as an evacuation centre. They’re very generous. I want to thank The Hills Shire Council, St John Ambulance, the Red Cross, Anglicare, NSW Health, the police force, everyone who’s on the ground—doing everything they can at the moment, working alongside our emergency services workers—the state and federal governments working together, and, of course, the community, who are doing everything in between, in situations where the emergency services can’t be there. They come together as a community, protect themselves and do a great job of doing that. We’re very fortunate to have these amazing people across our community.
For this one-in-50-year flood, the cost is not known, the difficulties are not over and the challenges are going to continue. We’re going to be right there to make sure, as a community, that we get through this together.
Please visit www.alexhawke.com.au to read the complete speech
