Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:35): I thank the Prime Minister for his words. On behalf of the opposition, I once again send our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of those who tragically lost lives in the storms and floods that have lashed New South Wales and Queensland. As the Prime Minister has said, Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with the citizens of Queensland and New South Wales who were affected by this weather. They begin the difficult task of cleaning up and rebuilding homes, businesses and communities. We salute and recognise the tireless courage of emergency services personnel and SES volunteers, who once again entered the fray, putting the lives and safety of others above their own. And I commend the Prime Minister and premiers Baird and Palaszczuk for their swift response. We offer our full support in doing everything necessary, as has been occurring, to help Australians in this difficult time. Australians know Mother Nature at her spectacular best and her spectacular worst. They know that rising floodwaters and furious winds will again test their resilience, just as drought does. We know that they will rise to the task. We know that the brave men and women of our emergency services and SES will again stand ready to risk their lives for others. We know this is not the last time that Australians will come together as neighbours and communities to help tear up muddy carpets, hose down shop floors and rebuild homes and lives. Be it due to drought, flood or storm, we know this will not be the last time our parliament pauses to reflect and to grieve for those who suffer and those who have lost due to the elements. We know they are not forgotten.