Wilkie, Andrew, MP

Mr WILKIE (Denison) (15:03): My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, as you acknowledged yesterday, the devastating Tasmanian bushfires are taking a dreadful toll on the community and environment, particularly in the World Heritage area. Indeed, the Tasmanian government is concerned that the national disaster relief and recovery arrangements will not cover all of the costs, which led Premier Will Hodgman to write to you, on 25 January, requesting that the government make an extra contribution outside of the normal arrangements. Prime Minister, do you agree to the Tasmanian Premier's request, and what other assistance will the federal government provide to Tasmania to help deal with the damage bill from these terrible fires?