The Nationals leader and Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, says the clock isn’t just ticking, it is now counting down for people wanting to make a submission to the Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Committee’s inquiry into the 2022 flood event.
And it runs out for good on June 5.
Mr Walsh says it is essential for anyone impacted by the floods – and that doesn’t just mean inundated – makes a submission because without as many as possible the committee will struggle to ensure a fair and accurate review of the flood event, including shortfalls by government and government agencies.
He says it is no good hoping someone else does it, or sitting back and complaining about recommendations made if you are not part of the process.
“Those caught on the frontline, who were flooded, forced to flee their homes and properties and businesses, are the ones with the best possible evidence of the full impact,” Mr Walsh says.
“But if your job was stood down, or your business could not work because your staff could not reach you, or anything else happened as a result of water anywhere, you need to make a submission. If your insurance has gone through the roof, you need to make a submission,” he says.
“It doesn’t have to be a thesis, a concise and accurate one-page summary will more than suffice, but you must do it.”
Mr Walsh says the government needs to hear the truth about the October floods.
He says the Andrews Labor government has tried to set up its own inquiries into various failings with their own handpicked experts.
“This is not good enough. They need to hear from real Victorians with real experiences of the floods,” Mr Walsh added.
“The more submissions received guarantees a more accurate picture of Victoria’s flood preparedness and response and will highlight any shortfalls that need addressing.”
More details from https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/floodinquiry