Speculation on federal election timing amid the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred is nothing but “crass”, a federal minister says.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Brisbane on Tuesday as the cyclone bore down on Queensland and northern NSW, with millions of people finalising emergency preparations in the area.
The category two system is set to make landfall on Thursday or early Friday, bringing heavy rainfall and destructive winds.
The looming weather system comes as the prime minister was widely expected to visit the governor-general and call the election in coming days.
While the election is not due to be held until May 17, speculation has been looming the election could be called in coming days to be held on April 12.
However, the impact of the cyclone could mean those plans could be set aside.
Housing Minister Clare O’Neil rejected suggestions the government was thinking about election timing implications following a natural disaster.
“Politics is the furthest thing from the PM’s mind today. People are literally sandbagging their homes, and I think the discussion about how this affects politics is irrelevant and really crass,” she told Seven’s Sunrise program on Wednesday.
“All we care about right now is the safety and preservation of property for people affected by this event.”
The prime minister also set aside any speculation of the election date amid the threat from the tropical cyclone.
“I’m focused on governing. That’s what I’m doing each and every day,” he told ABC Radio.
“With due respect to the importance of the next election, I don’t think (people’s) focus this morning is on election dates.”
Opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume said the safety of residents in Queensland and NSW was the priority.
However, she said the government needed to be transparent about election timing and whether it will hand down a budget.
A budget has been slated to be held on March 25, but could be cancelled if an election is called beforehand.
“The Australian public deserves the level of transparency as to what is actually in the books,” Senator Hume told Seven’s Sunrise.
She said the prime minister should be concentrating on not just supporting Queenslanders but whether he is going to deliver a budget.
“That’s what we like to see and we call on him to do that.”
Meanwhile, the federal government on Wednesday unveiled a multi-million dollar boost to help people with disabilities get into work.
More than 30 organisations will share in $14.6 million of funding for the supported employment sector, which provides assistance to people with disabilities in the workplace.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the funding would help to provide a meaningful job to thousands of people.
“We understand that most people with disability want to work but unfortunately face many barriers to finding and maintaining suitable employment,” she said.
“Funding under this grant round will be delivered across various locations around Australia, ensuring people with high support needs can reap both the social and economic benefits that employment can provide.”
It’s estimated 16,000 people with a disability are working in supported employment.
Follow all the New England Times coverage of the federal election here. Got a tip for us? Email newsdesk@netimes.com.au