Candidates for Australian PM Campaign in the Northern Regions Ahead of Election

Synopsis

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has announced new funding to aid communities impacted by severe flooding in northeastern Queensland, while opposition leader Peter Dutton pledges support for local weather radar. With the election approaching, both leaders are addressing the needs of affected areas.

Key Takeaways

105 million AUD announced for flood relief.
140,000 livestock lost due to flooding.
Early voting starts April 22, 2023.
Dutton pledges 10 million AUD for weather radar.
Compulsory voting for all Australians aged 18 and over.

Canberra, April 5 (NationPress) Australia's Prime Minister has unveiled further assistance for communities impacted by devastating flooding in the country's northeast.

Anthony Albanese dedicated the eighth day of his campaign for the general elections to touring an extensive area in the western region of Queensland, which has been severely affected by flooding since late March.

The flooding in this low-density area, a vital livestock farming zone, is deemed the worst since 1974, leading to extensive destruction and an estimated loss exceeding 140,000 livestock.

On Saturday, Albanese announced 105 million Australian dollars (approximately 63.4 million US dollars) in funding aimed at reconstructing fencing to safeguard livestock from feral pigs and dogs. The state government had previously initiated disaster assistance grants of up to 75,000 Australian dollars (around 45,314 US dollars) available for affected primary producers in the area.

Peter Dutton, the leader of the opposition Coalition and Australia's prospective prime minister, had previously visited the region, where he pledged 10 million Australian dollars (about 6.04 million US dollars) for a new weather radar, a commitment that Albanese has matched.

When questioned on Saturday about his visit to the region, traditionally a Coalition stronghold, and its political implications, Albanese stated he aims to be a Prime Minister "of all Australians".

"I have a message for Queenslanders: We have your back. We are with you, and we will provide all necessary support," he declared, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Dutton also on Saturday slightly altered the Coalition's strategy to terminate work-from-home policies for federal public servants, clarifying it would apply solely to those situated in Canberra. The Coalition also intends to eliminate 41,000 public service jobs to curtail government expenditures.

Saturday marked four weeks until the election day on May 3 and 17 days until early voting centers are opened nationwide on April 22.

With voting being compulsory for all Australians aged 18 and over, early voting centers provide an option to bypass long queues when casting their votes.

This option has gained significant popularity in recent elections.

According to the Australian Electoral Commission, 8.41 million individuals voted early in the 2022 general elections, either in person or by mail, comprising 47.7 percent of the 17.6 million registered voters at that time.