Prime Minister to visit inundated Hawkesbury this week upon return from Europe

Anthony Albanese will visit one of NSW worst flood-stricken regions this week, as the NSW Premier defended the PM over accusations Mr Albanese took too long to reach out amid the crisis.

After returning from Europe where he met with leaders at a major security summit, patched up Australia’s relationship with France and toured war torn Ukraine, Anthony Albanese will visit flood ravaged NSW.

The Prime Minister was in transit as of Monday afternoon, due to arrive in Australia by late Tuesday night.

His office has confirmed he will visit flooded areas of the Hawkesbury on Thursday.

On Tuesday Premier Dominic Perrottet shot down criticism that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took too long to contact him about the flood crisis in NSW.

Mr Albanese was in a media blackout while visiting war-torn Ukraine but contacted Mr Perrottet when he arrived in Poland.

“I don’t think (he was late) at all he was in the Ukraine. In fact, he called me yesterday,” he said of the criticism.

“There are domestic challenges, there are international challenges that the Prime Minister has to balance out. But from my perspective as Premier, the engagement has been incredibly positive, supportive and open to providing anything that they can do to assist us.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet. Picture: Gaye Gerard

Mr Perrottet said there was “no doubt” that the state and Commonwealth response to the latest floods was stronger than previous disasters.

“There is no doubt in my mind in terms of this time around in terms of immediate response (to the floods) and the coordination with the Commonwealth Government has been very strong,” he said.

“We’ve had ADF on the ground immediately talking to the commissioner earlier this morning.”

Mr Albanese was in a media blackout at the behest of the Australian Defence Force during his trip into Ukraine, with the PM offering a brief comment about the floods when he returned over the Polish border late on Monday.

“Have crossed into Poland from Ukraine and left radio silence,” Mr Albanese tweeted.

“My first actions were briefings … on NSW flooding and ensuring federal assistance is being provided.

“It’s a constantly changing situation. Check @NSWSES and @BOM_NSW for the latest advice and please stay safe,” he added.

For some, the clean-up has begun. RFS firefighters pictured helping Camden residents clean up their homes on Monday after they were flooded when the Nepean River bursts it banks. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Others remain in the grip of the flood crisis. A man is rescued from his car by State Emergency Service workers in Windsor on July 4. Picture: Jenny Evans/Getty Images

From Poland, Mr Albanese spoke with Premier Dominic Perrottet and federal Labor’s Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt to get an update on the widespread flooding impacting Sydney and NSW.

A government adviser familiar with the call said Mr Perrottet was please with the federal support given so far for the disaster response.

Mr Albanese will be given an updated briefing on the floods when he reaches Perth on Tuesday afternoon.

He will join Mr Perrottet visiting impacted areas of the Hawkesbury together on Thursday morning.