PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P. M. No 47/ 1970
COMMONWEALTH CYCLONEASSISTANCE FOR
QUEENSLAND
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. John Gorton
The Prime Minister has announced the provision of
Commonwealth assistance to the State of Queensland towards the cost
of government assets damaged as a result of cyclone " Ada".
Mr. Gorton said that it is the primary responsibility of
State Governments to meet the cost of restoring government property
damaged by natural disasters such as cyclones. However, where it is
considered that such expenditure by a State would impose an undue
burden on its financial resources, the Commonwealth is prepared to
assist in meeting the cost.
Mr. Gorton said that the amount involved in the present
instance would not normally call for the provision of Commonwealth assistance.
However, he was mindful that the Queensland Government was already
involved in expenditure on natural disaster relief as a result of the
widespread drought in the State in addition the Queensland Government
would be sharing with the Commonwealth the cost of relief for personal
hardship and distress resulting from the cyclone.
In the circumstances, the Prime Minister said, he was pleased
to announce that the Commonwealth was prepared to provide assistalce
on the basis of one half of the cost to the State Government of the
restoration of government assets damaged by cyclone " Ada".
CAN BERRA
7 April '-970