QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (14:55): I thank the member for Calare for his question and for his engagement. I visited the areas of Eugowra and that part of the world. I also, at the same time, was in places like Forbes with the member for Riverina.

They were devastating floods. At the worst of times, we do always see the best of the Australian character, and we did see it on that occasion. Can I say that, with the way that those medals work, we needed to get advice from His Majesty King Charles III for approval, and I'm pleased to advise that that has now been done.

Nominations can be submitted now via application through the Australian Honours and Awards portal on the Government House website or through emergency services organisations, and I encourage the heroes of the Central West to make sure that they do respond there. While I'm dealing with flood issues as well, yesterday I was contacted respectfully, one on one, by the member for Lyne about Wingham pool, asking for federal financial support for it and asking for a meeting.

I met with the member for Lyne earlier today. As I've said, my door's always open to members across this parliament. I can advise the member for Lyne and the constituents there that funding has now been approved of $15 million, which will be shared by the Commonwealth and by the New South Wales government.

This is important. I visited the electorate of Lyne during what was also a very dark period. The bridge there into that town was devastated.

It is a town which does not have a lot of wealth. It has people who need that public pool. I thank the member for the representations, and I'm pleased to report that that has been delivered.

I look forward to the medal presentations occurring. I have discussed this as well with Her Excellency, the Governor-General of Australia, and she is very keen to participate in the processes of awarding these medals.