Debt helpline expects rush
Premier criticised as blazes still rage and death toll gets worse
Bulldozer builds containment barrier
AUSTRALIA’S Prime Minister has finally admitted he “could have done better” as another firefighter died in the country’s raging blazes.
Scott Morrison has faced widespread criticism over his government’s response to the bushfires and its climate policy.
Yesterday, Bill Slade, 60, was killed by a falling tree while working on a blaze in Victoria. Since September, bushfires have killed at least 28 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
Mr Morrison conceded there were, “things I could have handled on the ground much better”. In recent weeks, he has been heckled by locals when visiting fire-hit communities in New South Wales and Victoria.
People have called Mr Morrison an “idiot” and told him “you won’t be getting any votes down here”. He said: “These are sensitive environments, they are very emotional environments. Prime ministers are flesh and blood, too, in how they engage with these people.” He added: “We’re living in longer, hotter, drier summers. This is obviously affected by the broader changes in climate.”
He has faced fierce criticism over his lack of urgency in tackling climate change. Experts say global warming is a key factor behind a rise in forest fires across the world. But Mr Morrison has said it is not “credible” to make a “direct connection”. Chris Hardman, Victoria’s chief fire officer, said the death of Mr Slade was “a significant loss”. He is survived by wife Carol, daughter Steph and son Ethan.
TRAGEDY Bill Slade
HORROR Soldier collects dead wildlife
PM Scott
A MONEY worries helpline is expecting a call every four minutes in January as families try to clear debts after Christmas.
Caroline Siarkiewicz, acting chief executive of the Money and Pensions Service, said: “It can be tempting to avoid confronting money worries after an expensive Christmas but the sooner you act, the easier it will be. Debt advice works.”
The Money Advice Service line is free to call, on 0800 138 7777.