Albo miffed over no relief
OPPOSITION Leader Anthony Albanese says there is “no reason” four flood-battered Northern Rivers shires were overlooked for additional relief payments by the Morrison government.
The federal Labor leader took aim at Prime Minister Scott Morrison while speaking in Murwillumbah on Friday, touring the homes of devastated residents who will not be receiving any extra dollars under the extended disaster response scheme.
Mr Albanese, who toured Lismore, Ballina and Murwillumbah in recent days, said all Northern Rivers townships had been equally devastated in the natural disaster.
“There is no reason whatsoever why that shouldn’t also apply here in the Tweed, and why it shouldn’t also apply in Ballina and in Byron,” he said.
Among the scenes of devastation was the home of South Murwillumbah couple Brett and Leanne Bugg, who are now rebuilding their lives for the second time in five years.
Mr Bugg said almost all their possessions had “floated down the river”.
“It took probably two years for this town to get back up and running again. This one is worse,” he said, at times appearing emotional.
“We’re not second-class flood victims. We are the same as the other flood victims in other regions.
“Everyone needs the support here as much as they need it anywhere else.”
The longtime resident said he would welcome a visit from the Prime Minister – if he was up to it.
“There’s a thousand people in this region, not people, there’s a thousand families in this region that don’t have anywhere to sleep tonight. That’s not right.”