Dutton sets up GoFundMe to raise money for flood victims

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is in Brisbane, has “commended” Queensland MP Peter Dutton for setting up a crowd-funding campaign for his local community. VOTE IN THE POLL

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has “commended” Queensland MP Peter Dutton for setting up a flood recovery crowd-funding campaign for a local community.

Defence Minister and Dickson MP Peter Dutton on Sunday set up a GoFundMe page hoping to raise $25,000 for the Pine Rivers community.

The federal government has a number of disaster relief and recovery funds, including disaster relief payments for people and families impacted by the flood.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a media conference at the Kedron Emergency Services Complex in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

There is also the National Recovery and Resilience Agency—established after the Townsville floods—which has the aim of “helping communities recover while strengthening Australia against future disasters”.

Mr Dutton, on the GoFundMe page, stated the money would go toward providing immediate assistance in the aftermath of the flood to those most in need, including food and essential supply packages, clean up supplies, equipment to get businesses back online or anything else the community may need.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for flood victims in his community. Picture: Floss Adams.

Mr Morrison said he “didn’t understand the criticism” Mr Dutton was copping after setting up the disaster recovery crowd-funding page.

“As a local member of parliament, you always look to try and harness community support for responding to major disasters,” Mr Morrison said.

“So I commend Peter for what he’s doing… I don’t understand the criticism frankly, I really don’t.

“I mean, he is working with these community to add to the significant contributions that are being made by the Commonwealth and the state and the local government. He’s looking after his community, that’s what a good member does”.

Meanwhile, Emergency Management Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie confirmed Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements had been activated for flood-affected residents in Gympie and the town of Dallarnil in the North Burnett Regional Council area.

More areas with flood impacted residents are expected to be added to the list in coming days.

The disaster relief payment provides up to $180 per person or $900 for a family of five or more if they have been financially impacted by the floods.

“This is obviously a very distressing situation for many and the activation of the Personal Hardship Assistance Scheme under the DRFA will ensure people who have been severely affected by the floods have immediate support as waters recede and they return home,” Senator McKenzie said.

“The Australian and Queensland governments continue to work closely to support ongoing recovery efforts and identify where further assistance may be required to ensure all impacted communities have the best possible support.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the Kedron Emergency Services Complex in Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Mr Morrison confirmed planning was already underway for the extensive clean-up effort expected once waters recede.

“I want to assure everyone what we also worked on today is the planning for the recovery has already begun, and the resources and the support that will be necessary to ensure the clean-up can get underway,” he said.