When it comes to floods, there is still no all-clear in Australia. On the contrary. Meanwhile, 20 people have died, the Sydney harbor has turned brown and people are fighting for their livelihoods. Today, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced further measures during a visit to the particularly affected city of Lismore. These include far-reaching financial aid and the so-called “national emergency”. The prime minister has now proclaimed it for Australia for the first time.
The idea of a “national emergency” came after the bushfires in 2019 and 2020. This should give the states better support from the government in Canberra in the event of major disasters and make it easier for federal authorities and the army to deploy. The prime minister must therefore put up with criticism. Because the situation has been dramatic for weeks, the national emergency and the associated aid are overdue.
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