NSW bushfires: Greens push to recall parliament early

The Greens have dismissed suggestions their push to recall NSW parliament to authorise $10,000 emergency relief payments to residents who have lost homes in the bushfires is disingenuous.

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The Greens are leading a push to urgently recall NSW parliament with party members eager to authorise emergency relief payments to residents affected by the bushfires.

If successful, MPs could return to sit in the Legislative Council as early as this week but the move would need to be supported by a majority of members.

The upper house is not scheduled to sit until February 25.

Greens MLC David Shoebridge is calling for an “urgent”, non-means tested $10,000 Fire Recovery Payment to every household that has been destroyed by fire.

“This is needed now, not in a months’ time, to deliver immediate support for people without a home,” he said.

“Shockingly, the only current compensation package available for most people when they’ve lost their house is a $1,000 federal payment.”

Upper house Greens MP David Shoebridge is leading a push to recall NSW parliament early. Picture: Richard Dobson

At least 1,588 homes have been destroyed so far this fire season in NSW, meaning the package would cost about $15-$20 million.

Both houses of parliament would need to pass the reform.

If the Greens obtain a majority of votes – at least 22 out of 42 – needed to recall the upper house, the Coalition would be pressured to bring back the lower house.

Some MPs are reluctant to support an early return to parliament amid concern the move is another Greens “stunt” – a suggestion Mr Shoebridge has vehemently rejected.

A home recently destroyed by bushfires can be seen near the town of Bilpin on December 29. Picture: Getty

“We’re back at work. We’ve looked at the disaster relief packages that are available and we have been ashamed and embarrassed by them,” he said in response to the claim.

Legislative Council President John Ajaka said he had not been approached about the proposed recall which would require “standing order 36” to be invoked, forcing him to convene a sitting of the house.

The Coalition is not expected to back the move, with a spokeswoman for Emergency Services Minister David Elliott saying focus “should be on supporting our firefighters on the fire grounds and on the recovery effort already underway”.

However, some crossbenchers in the upper house have welcomed the idea of a recall.

Crews monitor fires and begin back burns between the towns of Orbost and Lakes Entrance in east Gipplsland. Picture: Getty

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers leader Robert Borsak said his party had been in discussions with the Greens over the past week and that he “wholly” supported the proposal.

“In my view it’s important we talk about it (the bushfires) now,” he said.

“We’ve had literally 20 or 30 royal commissions or inquiries since 1939 … but with them happening after the event they seem to be largely ignored and we continue to repeat the mistakes of the past.”

The Animal Justice Party has also called on MPs to return to work.

But the Greens desperately need Labor to support the recall to secure a majority.

Labor frontbencher Ryan Park said there was “no need to call parliament back” to ensure people get financial assistance.

“People expect their elected representatives who have communities impacted by this fire to be assisting residents and small business owners to get back on their feet,” he said.

One Nation NSW leader Mark Latham also indicated he would not support the Greens’ push.

“Late last year, David Shoebridge moved a motion to say not even committees should be working in parliament until school holidays end, so this seems like a climate change stunt,” he said.

“Ryan Park is right: there is no need to recall parliament to ensure people get their payments.”

Originally published as NSW bushfires: Greens push to recall parliament early