The Premier has announced that Queensland’s Economic Functional Recovery Group (EFRG) is to be convened to assist Local Government, business and industry implement response action to the impact of novel coronavirus.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she had written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison seeking disaster funding, but he had refused her request.
“We have put in a reasonable request to ask for help in sharing the cost of this disaster, and helping our businesses and communities across the State, and the Morrison Government has said ‘no’,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The impact of this health crisis will be felt across multiple sectors, from hotel beds and airlines, to agriculture, education, trade and retail.”
The Premier said co-funding disaster relief was “standard practice”.
“Together, the Queensland and Federal Governments have provided $15.7 billion to Queenslanders since 2011,” she said.
“Why is this disaster any different?”
“We will deal with this crisis in the same resilient way we deal with any natural disaster, be it flooding, cyclones or bushfires.”
She said the EFRG would meet to discuss the impacts on industry and gather intelligence on the effects of the virus outbreak.
Minister for State Development, Cameron Dick said his Department would be prominent in the recovery process.
“As the lead agency for economic recovery my Department will play a key role in assisting Local Government, business and industry with resilience and recovery strategies to deal with the impacts of the coronavirus,” Mr Dick said.
“Director General Rachel Hunter will chair the group and provide strategic advice to the Queensland Government and stakeholders.”
He said the Group would coordinate input from relevant Departments, Local Government and industry bodies to develop long-term recovery plans.
