Australia declares national emergency in response to NSW flooding
The country has been suffering from widespread flooding across its east coast, with the crisis claiming at least 22 lives since it began
The government of Australia has declared a national emergency in the state of New South Wales (NSW), as at least 22 people have died in floods across the country’s east coast.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the measure during a visit to Lismore, NSW, on Wednesday 9 March – a city which has been hit heavily by the floods.
The process of declaring a national emergency was developed following the destructive bushfires of 2019-2020, and was designed to streamline government responses to national crises. The declaration of a national emergency in response to the NSW flooding marks the first time the legislation has been used since its creation.
However, the government has received criticism in response to what has been perceived as a lacklustre response to the flooding crisis – Morrison faced a hostile welcome from some locals and climate campaigners during his visit to Lismore, with one protester holding a placard describing Morrison as ‘a real nowhere man’.
Queensland is not covered by the national emergency
Despite speculation that Queensland would also be included as part of the national emergency, the state was not included under the emergency powers.
At a press conference at the Hawkesbury Emergency Operations Centre on 12 March, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the decision to not include Queensland was because Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had said it wasn't necessary as the flood waters were now receding.
Australia reopened its international borders to fully vaccinated visa holders on 21 February, with Western Australia becoming the final state to reopen its borders to interstate and international travellers from 3 March. Unvaccinated visa holders will still need a valid travel exemption to enter Australia.