I move that the House: acknowledges with great sadness the devastation occasioned by this summer’s natural disasters including unprecedented floods, Cyclone Yasi and bushfires; extends its deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost loved ones; records its profound regret at the impact of this summer’s natural disasters on the economic and social well-being of affected communities; records its admiration for the courage shown by so many in the face of these disasters; acknowledges the enormous efforts of Defence personnel, emergency workers, and so many volunteers in responding to these disasters; and pledges the full support of the Australian Parliament and community to assist affected areas to recover and rebuild. – PM Julia Gillard
Watch the full video of Australia’s Prime Minister Julia Gillard‘s Speech at the Parliament when they resumed session last Tuesday, February 8, 2012. The highlight of her speech is when she show and held a mud splattered, tattered Australian flag that was recovered from the area of Murphy’s Creek by the crew of a Defence Force helicopter. She commended the bravery and patriotism of the people helping out the victims of Cyclone Yasi. 


You can read the full text of PM Gillard as published in the Herald Sun by clicking here.

Some Photos of Cyclone Yasi at Brisbane Times:

A pile-up of boats in Hinchinbrook Marina. Photo: Paul Crock/AFP.
Houses that have lost their roofs in Cardwell. Photo: Paul Crock/AFP.
 
 
Emergency Services crews cross the flooded Bruce Highway at Liverpool Creek. Photo: Glenn Hunt.

A house in Mourilyan which had been seperated into two sections was badly damaged as Cyclone Yasi passed over. Photo: Glenn Hunt.
 
A banana plantation lies in ruin near the northern Australian town of Innisfail. Photo: Reuters/Tim Wimborne.
 
 

Credits: Photos above are from Brisbane Times. Copyright belongs to Brisbane Times and the person properly acknowledged above. Presented here for Sydney Affairs readers educational purposes only.