Is Flood Response Short-Staffed?

Media Release.

Opposition frontbencher and Member for Bundamba, Jo-Ann Miller, says the Premier must explain a lack of response to people applying for disaster support in the wake of floods and blackouts caused by cyclonic weather.

“In my area people have complained to me about the brick wall set up by the state government when they have tried to access immediate hardship payments for their loss of electricity supply,” Mrs Miller said.

“The Department of Communities is insisting on the completion of a seven-page application and there has been no effort as far as I can see from the state government to let people know what immediate support is available to them.

“I have also heard reports of the department using a ticket system to serve some people but turn others away and ask them to come back tomorrow.

“Is all this happening because of the mass sackings undertaken by the Newman Government in frontline agencies such as the Department of Communities where the Premier cut 385 full-time equivalent jobs last year?

“I know the staff on the ground are doing a tough job and working as hard as they can.

“But in previous events the government could rely on turning out people from other jobs in the department to hit the frontline and support the delivery of recovery services and support.

“This time there does not appear to be as many Department of Communities staff available to respond to local concerns, and they are telling applicants to head to Centrelink.

“I have heard reports of people striking this problem in Ipswich as well as Logan. This situation is just distressing for people who need help.

“No doubt other flood affected communities across Queensland will be given the same treatment.”

Mrs Miller said an example of state government insensitivity was the ridiculous and thoughtless suggestion of the Premier for flood-hit householders to prove they have been without electricity by obtaining a letter from Energex.

“People who have been genuinely affected by flooding do not need that sort of red tape imposed on them,” she said.

“Energex maintains information on suburbs and streets that have lost power and the government should be able to use that data to receive, verify and process or check claims.

“For people needing assistance the last thing they want is to be tied up in red tape when they are trying to put their lives back together.”