I’d like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.
For so many Australians, this is a chance to rest.
To spend time with our family, catch-up with friends, and to cherish the memories of those no longer with us.
And for Christians, this is a holy time.
In this time of celebration and reflection, we express our gratitude to everyone who’s giving up their Christmas for the sake of others.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I just want to thank all of the businesses, tourism operators, local government, people who met with us here today to talk firsthand and inform us about the challenges ahead for this community. Which though I have great confidence that the people and businesses of tropical North Queensland will not only survive, they'll thrive into the future. The resilience that we've seen from communities in places like Holloways Beach this morning was quite extraordinary.
The Albanese and Miles Governments have announced a fourth round of support to help recovery and resilience for Far North Queensland communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
The package, estimated to cost $64 million will be cost-shared 50-50 by the Federal and State Governments. It will support recovery for FNQ’s vital tourism industry, farmers, small businesses and not for profits. It includes:
CATHIE SCHNITZERLING, HOST: The recovery and cleanup in Far North Queensland is well underway. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has travelled to Cairns to inspect the damage and he will also announce more support for local businesses, farmers and councils, as well as a tourism recovery package. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on line. Prime Minister, you've seen your fair share of natural disasters over the years. Have you been shocked by this one?
PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: Prime Minister, good to see you. Thanks for your time on a busy morning, I know you've got a bit on.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Pete.
STEFANOVIC: So far, what's your assessment of the damage that you've seen?
EMMA ROBELLATO, HOST: I am very pleased to say Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Cairns this morning and he joins us now on ABC News Breakfast. Prime Minister, thanks for joining us this morning.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, Emma.
ROBELLATO: Well, you've seen a lot of the pictures like we all have at a Far North Queensland. You've had the briefings. What are you expecting to see on the ground today?
DAVID CAMPBELL, HOST: Prime Minister, we know we're going to speak to you about Far North Queensland in a second, but we just wanted to touch on Prague, this horrible situation that's unfolded. What assistance is available to Aussies who might be caught up in the Prague situation?
MATT SHIRVINGTON, HOST: The Prime Minister is touring flood ravaged Queensland today and he joins us now from Cairns. Thank you PM for joining us. Before we get to the floods, can I ask you about the awful scenes coming out of Prague. What assistance, if any, is Australia making to those involved, particularly Australians caught up in this?
LAURA TINGLE, HOST: Prime Minister, welcome to 7:30.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good to be here, Laura.
TINGLE: 2023 began with you responding to floods in South Australia and finishes with the extraordinary flooding in Far North Queensland. Labor promised it was going to upgrade and improve Australia's emergency funding and management responses and not be so reliant on the defence forces. Where is that up to?
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: I am absolutely delighted to host Prime Minister Luxon here in Australia on your first official overseas visit as New Zealand's Prime Minister. I congratulate, once again, Chris on his election as Prime Minister. Australia and New Zealand, of course, share history, geography, values, and a common strategic outlook, and our relationship has never been more important.