CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (16:34): As the weather warms up, communities across Hinkler are preparing for another summer of storms, flooding and possible cyclones. Our fire season is already proving active and volatile, and that is why I'm pleased Labor was forced late last week to reverse its senseless move to slash disaster recovery funding to Queensland.

This was a bad decision from the outset. Once again, Labor has been forced to back down. I stood alongside the Queensland LNP government, including our local state MPs, Stephen Bennett; David Lee; and John Barounis to demand this decision be overturned.

I also advocated alongside the Local Government Association of Queensland and our mayors, Helen Blackburn and George Seymour. Together we made the voices of Hinkler heard, and common sense prevailed. Back in June, the federal government announced plans to split disaster recovery funding 50/50 with states and territories, having previously contributed up to 75 per cent, but Labor failed to properly consult or explain the decision to those carrying the load on the ground.

When disaster strikes, Aussies expect Canberra to step up, not shift the bill to the states and call it reform. Last week, Hinkler participated in Queensland's annual awareness program, Get Ready Queensland. I had the fortune of visiting Bundaberg's aerial firefighting hub, which supports our region and all of Queensland.

The airport hosts an impressive range of world-class firefighting aircraft, including Black Hawk helicopters and the large aerial tanker. With a retardant capacity of 10,000 litres, the tanker helps slow fires, strengthen containment lines and support crews working in difficult terrain. The LAT, as it's known, is a welcome, regular visitor to our region, supporting the Queensland Fire Department's fleet of 14 contracted aircraft.

I thank Peter Hollier, the Deputy Chief Officer of Central Region Rural Fire Service Queensland, for assisting with the visit and everyone involved in keeping Queensland safe this fire season. On Saturday night, I had the privilege of attending Bundaberg Central Rotary Club's 13th annual Brian Prince Awards, recognising outstanding service in our emergency services.

These awards honour the late Brian Prince, a former rotarian and paramedic who always put service above self. It was special to have Brian's wife, Laurel, and son, David, there. The ambulance service award went to Officer Gary Stockwell and the Police Service Award went to Senior Constable Thomas Bell.

Senior Firefighter Chris Sheather received the Queensland Fire Department Award, while Jenny Hinds and Aaron Quay were both recognised for their service with Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. The LifeFlight award went to Captain Tony Miller. Queensland Ambulance Service volunteer Brian Rose was named Volunteer of the Year.

To all of Hinkler's emergency service personnel and volunteers, those who run towards danger and keep us safe, thank you.