SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE

SENATOR THE HON MURRAY WATT
MINISTER FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

TRACEY ROBERTS MP
MEMBER FOR PEARCE

RITA SAFFIOTI
ACTING WA PREMIER

STEPHEN DAWSON
WA EMERGENCY SERVICES MINISTER

SABINE WINTON
MEMBER FOR WANNEROO

JOINT PRESS RELEASE

SUPPORT FOR WA BUSHFIRES

The Albanese Government is working with the Cook Government to assist in responding to the emergency bushfire situation in in the northern suburbs of Perth.

The Commonwealth-owned Centre for National Resilience at Bullsbrook will be made available as emergency accommodation for people evacuated from bushfire-affected regions and to support emergency agencies engaged in responding to the fires.

The 500-bed facility, which was purpose-built for quarantine, was always envisaged as being an enduring asset, that could be used to respond to future crises beyond COVID-19.

Last year, the Mickleham quarantine facility in Victoria was used as crisis accommodation for 300 people who were evacuated from flood-affected communities.

Please attribute to Federal Minister for Finance Senator Katy Gallagher:

“Australians have a history of helping each other in times of need.

“We have been working quickly with the state government to make sure support is being provided to those communities that are facing a challenging time.”

“We had no hesitation in standing up the Centre at Bullsbrook as an evacuation centre so that West Australians that need it, have a safe roof over their head.’’

Please attribute to Federal Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt:

“The Albanese Government has made it our priority to respond much quicker in times of disaster to help people who need it the most.

“We have been working closely with the Western Australian Government on the latest bushfires and this action is another example of that.

“My thoughts are with all those going through what must be a terrifying situation right now.”

Please attribute to Member for Pearce Tracey Roberts:

“I’d like to acknowledge those in my community who have sadly suffered damages and lost their homes, this announcement will be a great help in this most dire time of need.

“The Federal Labor Government is ready to help wherever it may be required.

“I would especially like to thank the emergency services and volunteers for their continued commitment and the community who have acted so quickly to protect themselves, their fellow residents and pets.”

Please attribute to Acting WA Premier Rita Saffioti:

“This fire has had a devastating impact on the local community, with multiple homes lost and many people displaced.

“Today’s decision to make the Centre for National Resilience available ensures evacuees will have a safe and secure place to rest and recover.

“I’d like to thank the Albanese Government for their work to stand up this asset so quickly.”

Please attribute to WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson:

“Fire crews are doing everything they can to bring this blaze under control in extremely challenging conditions.

“With high temperatures and fierce winds forecast in the coming days, we know that conditions may deteriorate.

“The Cook Government is working with the Albanese Government to ensure the Centre for National Resilience is ready to accommodate interstate firefighters, should they be required.”

Please attribute to Member for Wanneroo Sabine Winton:

 “The people of Wanneroo have done an exceptional job stepping up to help each other.

“The community has remained strong during this frightening and uncertain time. 

“I’m grateful to the Albanese Government for standing up the Centre for National Resilience, which will provide those impacted with comfortable accommodation and support.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 2023