Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (17:28): I am normally delighted to make a contribution to debate, but I am not delighted to contribute to this public interest debate. In fact, I was disappointed by the first two paragraphs of the motion. This is a time of darkness for a community that is suffering. I learnt a long time ago, even before I came to this place, that one should never seek fortune from another's misfortune, and I thought members of this place were better than that. The motion is polarising and divisive. However, I will focus on what matters most, and that is the people of Broken Hill. I say to the people of Broken Hill and Barwon: Thank goodness for Roy Butler, because he has done exactly what I and any other good local member would do. His community is at the forefront of his mind. That is why he will be out there tomorrow. We know, though many people out there do not, that ultimately it is compulsory for us to be here unless we get a pair. But he is going to his community to support it in person, on the ground, as soon as he can. I commend him for doing so.

But the reality is we find ourselves in this dark situation, and I will not try to lay any blame. I acknowledge the cause and effects of privatisation, and I will call them out and call out those responsible. But there will be time to debate them, and now is not the time. That petulant style of politics is not cohesive or consistent with the situation of the communities we represent. This is not about politics. Everyone in this place should be focused on getting the power back on in Broken Hill—nothing else. A storm tore down seven towers. Many members know I am from Dubbo, in western New South Wales. When I was growing up, people in western New South Wales, particularly the Far West, felt disengaged from society, and overlooked and unconsidered by this Parliament. That is still felt today. I say to them that they are not.

I again refer to the member for Barwon as a representation of how comforted and cared for they are. In the darkest times, communities shine, and this community is shining. I do not know everyone who is doing everything. The member for Barwon will have more to say about the volunteers, clubs and organisations in the future. But I know that this community is stepping up to help itself in a time of darkness. I thank the Federal Government for the natural disaster declaration a couple of days ago. I thank the New South Wales Government and the Premier for taking action as diligently as they could. There will be time to discuss accountability and Transgrid's responsibility to provide certainty of power supply, after adequate and appropriate investigation, which must happen.

I had the privilege on the way down here to meet Mal Lanyon, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority, sitting with the Hon. John Robertson, who was doing some work around there. I saw a woman who was passionate about helping this community. She was waiting to see the Premier, who is committed to helping that community and is going out there himself. I give him credit for that. It is a good example of how the best things are achieved by working together. Like everything in this place, there is a lot of politics in what we do, but let us never lose sight of the most important process of politics, which is helping people to make their lives, hopefully, a little better tomorrow than today. I wish for the people of Broken Hill a much better tomorrow, and I know that everyone is working hard to achieve that. I thank them.