Dutton hits out at ADF critics, as Albo says victims deserve ‘explanation’

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has hit out at critics of the federal government’s response to catastrophic flooding in northern NSW

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has hit out at critics of the federal government’s response to catastrophic flooding in northern NSW, saying he won’t cop criticism of defence force personnel. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has hit out at critics of the federal government’s response to catastrophic flooding in northern NSW, saying he won’t cop criticism of defence force personnel, but Anthony Albanese says locals deserve an explanation for the lethargic emergency rollout.

Devastated locals in the Northern Rivers region of NSW have accused the Morrison government of being absent despite the record-breaking floods that have left mountains of debris piled up along the streets of Lismore, Ballina and Mullumbimby.

Mr Dutton was forced to defend the government in a fiery exchange on Tuesday morning, after facing repeated questions about why ADF personnel had only reached flood-stricken areas in the past few days, and in much smaller numbers than initially flagged.

“God help us if we were going to war, we wouldn’t stand a chance if it took this long to get ourselves organised, what’s going on?” Seven’s Sunrise host David Koch asked.

Mr Dutton fired back, saying he wouldn’t “cop criticism of the ADF” and pointed to the rescue of 113 people by ADF personnel.

As he moved to create a distinction between criticism of the Morrison government and the ADF, the Opposition Leader said it was inexplicable that people in areas hammered by flooding were being forced to hire their own helicopters to undertake rescues.

“I’m not critical of the ADF. That’s a decision for the federal government. So it’s important that we acknowledge that our defence force personnel do their best, as instructed, at any particular time,” Mr Albanese said.

“The ADF has access to substantial helicopters, for example. Why are people having to pitch in and hire private helicopters when the ADF has access to those resources? I think they are all questions that need answers.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet conceded his government’s response to natural disasters hadn’t improved since the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20, adding it was “pretty clear” more could have been done in preparation.