Sky News host Alan Jones says there are “real problems” which remain on the flood front.
“Insurance claims they tell us could eclipse last year’s $2 billion bushfire payouts,” Mr Jones said.
“But many aren’t insured, and all they have are the clothes on their back … the cost of all this to individuals, families and businesses is beyond estimation.”
He said relief for New South Wales and Queensland is “in sight”, but the wild weather systems are moving towards Victoria and Tasmania.
“May I just though inject here a negative comment, the New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian must wonder where all this ends, she has worked tirelessly … as has her deputy John Barilaro.”
Mr Jones noted they have both said the recovery mission in NSW will be assisted by Resilience NSW with Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons.
“Now I urge both the leader and the deputy to check out this outfit,” Mr Jones said.
“It was created last April, it awarded $873,000 contract to Price Waterhouse Coopers to design and establish the organisation – it is headed by this Shane Fitzsimmons”.
“I understand a year on it has not reported to Government, nor is a public document of any kind available”.
“My understanding is that $38 million has been given to cover employee related expenses this year – that is just expenses”.
“Staff costs, or the money the agency is spending on itself are reportedly $71 million. No charity would get away with this, so they had better be doing some good work”.
“Until it can be demonstrated otherwise this looks like another giant and bloated bureaucracy.”
