Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson slams ‘ridiculous’ Kimberley flood remarks

Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson has slammed “ridiculous” comments by Mining and Pastoral MLC Neil Thomson, stating he has “no idea what he’s talking about”. Mr Thomson on Thursday criticised the Minister for not yet setting foot in the Kimberley and called for a dedicated flood response officer with authority to direct State and Federal resources to be appointed for the region. Defending the claims at a press conference in Broome after flying in Friday morning, Minister Dawson said the role Mr Thomson was calling for was government policy and that it was already in place. He also hit back at Mr Thomson’s criticism over his absence, saying he flew to Broome at the first opportunity. “Anyone in the region can appreciate how hard it is to travel during events like these,” he said. “I was on the first commercial flight into Broome this morning. To suggest I’ve been absent is just ridiculous.” On Thursday, a resident of Fitzroy Crossing - the town which floods have most impacted - said townsfolk felt “left in the dark” after a scheduled community meeting with emergency services was cancelled. “There was a crowd of people standing around hoping for some answers and they just told us ‘Nah, it’s not happening now, come back at 5pm,” Mr Lozenicins said. “We just want answers. We don’t know what happens next. We’re told there are three days of fuel left in town — what happens once that goes?” At the press conference on Friday, Department of Fire and Emergency Services assistant commissioner Darren Klemm confirmed 3000kg of food would be flown into Fitzroy Crossing over the coming day. “More than 500 food packs were delivered by helicopters yesterday, with more to be delivered over the weekend,” he said. Some 43 Fitzroy Crossing residents are currently without power, with Horizon Power waiting for flood waters to recede before restoring services. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie is currently tracking southeast toward the Northern Territory border.