PM praises 'Aussie spirit' in floods

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has paid tribute to the resilient Australian spirit which
is seeing flood-affected communities through difficult times.

About 20,000 people were cut off by the devastating floods in southern Queensland
and northern NSW, he told parliament on Monday, adding some would remain isolated
for up to two weeks.
"Our thoughts are with the people ... who are dealing with yet another flood disaster.
"In true Australian spirit these communities who have already suffered and picked
themselves up are facing yet another battle today."
Some farmers were now going through their third season with no significant income
due to extreme weather, Mr Rudd said.
He offered condolences to the family and friends of the two people who have died in
the floods, and thanked emergency service workers.
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull said it was an appropriate time to contemplate
the unpredictability of Australia's weather.
Southeast Queensland had been in drought, then had received a year's worth of rain
in three days, he said.
Mr Turnbull also thanked emergency service workers and offered his condolences over
the two deaths.
"There have been very many anxious moments over the weekend," he said.