Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Disaster Recovery, and Member for Myall Lakes, Tanya Thompson, has slammed her exclusion from key flood recovery meetings during the Premier’s brief visit to the Manning, labelling it “politics ahead of people.”
Mrs Thompson said it is unacceptable that almost 12 months after devastating floods, the Premier chose to shut out the local Member who has been working side-by-side with affected families, businesses, and farmers.
“This isn’t about me. It’s about the people of the Manning who are still rebuilding their lives,” Mrs Thompson said.
“Our community has been calling for more financial assistance for 12 months, and whatever the Premier decides to announce today MUST be rolled out immediately.
“We can’t have another year of talk and photo ops while we wait for Chris Minns to act.”
Mrs Thompson said the Premier’s approach shows a lack of respect for communities still doing it tough and undermines genuine recovery efforts.
“Flood recovery is too important for political games,” Mrs Thompson said.
“These are real people, real homes, and real livelihoods. If the Premier was serious about recovery, he would be bringing people together, not locking voices out.”
Mrs Thompson also criticised the Premier’s office for cancelling a community roundtable at Wingham Services Club, a tour of Pulteney Street Arcade, and a visit to Sailo’s with less than 24 hours’ notice, despite commitments made in Parliament.
“That’s not good enough. These communities prepared in good faith, only to be let down again.”
Mrs Thompson said she will continue fighting to ensure local voices are heard whether the Premier wants to listen or not.
