Maitland’s state MP wants an inquiry into the April superstorm so elected representatives of all political stripes can work together more effectively to help communities that are hit by future natural disasters.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The storm that swept the Hunter in April brought severe floods that cut major roads and isolated towns for more than a week, as torrential rain and gale-force winds lashed the region.
Almost 400mm of rain was recorded at Tocal in 24 hours during the storm, and Maitland and Dungog were later officially declared natural disaster zones.
Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, who was elected less than a month before the storm, said she found it difficult to contact Premier Mike Baird’s office and other government officials during the disaster and had to send Mr Baird an email using the generic feedback form on his public website.
She said opposition MPs needed easier access to the government, and its information, in times of emergency so they could better help their communities.
Ms Aitchison lodged a private member’s statement to Parliament regarding the issue on Friday.
“Local members are part of the political process,” she said.
“Indeed, in times of crisis people turn to their local members.
“For example, the gentleman who came to my office when his mobility scooter was on its last battery who was in need of a warm cup of tea and some help for a referral to Family and Community Services.
“Such events [disasters] must be managed in a bipartisan way.”
Ms Aitchison also said the ministry for police and emergency services would become part of the Department of Justice from July 1 and opposition MPs needed to be included in that process.
“At some stage it must be acknowledged that everyone in this community, whether they vote Liberal and National, Labor or the Greens, is part of this state,” she said.
