Prime Minister of Australia

Transcript of press conference, Canberra

6th Feb 2012

PM: Thank you very much. I’ve got three matters to deal with today. First I would like to offer my congratulations to the Queen on her Diamond Jubilee. Today is the anniversary, the sixtieth anniversary of her accession to the throne. We will be saying some more about this in Parliament tomorrow and particularly the ways that Australians can get involved in celebrating the Diamond Jubilee this year.

Australian Government provides additional disaster assistance for Queensland and Northern New South Wales

6th Feb 2012

The Australian Government today activated direct payments of additional disaster assistance for communities in Queensland and Northern NSW hit by flooding as a result of recent heavy rainfall.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1000 per adult and $400 per child will be made available through Centrelink to people who have been impacted by flooding in disaster declared areas.

Year of the Dragon

I send my warmest best wishes to all Australians celebrating the Chinese New Year as we welcome the Year of the Dragon.

The Year of the Dragon is traditionally associated with strength, loyalty and luck – and I hope you and your family enjoy these qualities in abundance.

Julia Gillard

23rd Jan 2012

People of Australia Ambassadors

The strength of Australia is our people, their humility and kindness, their willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need of support. The Gillard Government is recognising the extraordinary contribution made by many Australians in our communities through the People of Australia Ambassador’s Program.

Kate Lundy

19th Jan 2012