Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says Brisbane River flood wasn't big enough

Tony Abbott destroys
flood victims' hopes

THE Federal Government has attacked Opposition Leader Tony Abbott over his comments on Sunday that the 2011 Queensland floods were not big enough to justify the $1.8 billion flood levy.

A year and half after the Queensland summer of natural disasters, Mr Abbott was asked on ABC television why he did not support the flood levy.

He said while the floods were a big disaster, they weren't so big that the nation needed a new tax to pay for the recovery.

During the public debate about the government levy, Mr Abbott repeatedly offered to help the government find extra savings in that year's budget.

But Labor MP Shayne Neumann went on the attack about the comments on Tuesday.

Mr Blair, who on Tuesday played host to Prime Minister Julia Gillard in his marginal seat of Blair, said Mr Abbott was insensitive to downplay the effects of the flood, and requested an apology.

"I think most Australians were prepared to pay the flood levy and help out their mates in a time of a great need," Mr Neumann said.

"I'm not surprised Tony Abbott's destructive negativity has sunken to yet another low."

Mr Abbott's office did not issue and apology, but emphasised the Coalition position against such taxes.

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12.7.12