PM Transcripts

TEL PRIME MINISTER ' 35/ 93
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, HON P. J. KEATING, MP
TASKFORCE REPORT ON BENALTA FLOODS
I have received the report on the Benalla floods prepared by the Government's Rural and Regional
Taskforce, headed by the Member for Page, Harry Woods.
This report was compiled after the taskforce visited the Benalla region and met representatives of
the Victorian Farmers' Federation, the Chambcr of Commerce and all local municipalitics, to
establish how much damage was done in the floods and how the Commonwealth could help.
Mr Woods has noted that the local representatives he met were generally happy with the
Commonwealth's initial response to the immediate personal hardships. There was recognition of
the value of programs such as JobSkills and the Landcare and Environment Action Program. The
taskforce has recommcnded thatithese programs be extended specially in the flood-affected area.
It recommends that assistance be considered through the National Landcare Program in restoring
and repairing severely damaged land, waterways and vegetation. And it recommends that the
Minister for Social Security consider special disaster provisions, so that benefits could be paid
retrospectively to those who have helped in the clean-up.
Mr Woods has reported to me that many local pcople told the taskforce they believed they were
being denied the level of financial help that ought to be provided by the Victorian State
Government. Sinilar concerns have been voiced by the Victorian Farmers' Federation, in a
statement of November 11 and at the taskforce's hearings.
This is a matter of concern to the Commonwealth Government. Under the terms of the National
Disaster Relief Arrangements, the cost of disaster relief is met by the State Government up to an
agreed threshold, and matched by the Commonwealth beyond that. Victoria's spending has not
reached that threshold, Mr Woods told me.
I am now examining the report of the taskforce, and I will ensure that recommendations for action
are put before the relevant Commonwealth Ministers without delay.
CANBERRA, November 26, 1993
Further inquiries: Harry Woods, MP, Chairman, Prime Minister's Rural and Regional Taskforce
066 426 356 26. Nov. 93 12: 52 No. 019 P. 01/ 01