National Emergency

The declaration gives the federal government power to intervene and deploy resources.

It is a legislative power that Morrison sought after the 2019-2020 bushfire crisis.

Morrison is also set to outline more money to help communities recover from floods on the east coast when he visits Lismore today, as government ministers expect anger from residents whose lives have been upturned.

The federal government has been criticised for the pace and scale of its response to the floods.

In a televised speech Monday, President Aingimea said declaration was made following advice from Cabinet and the Council.

In a national address over the weekend, he also said the Government is taking every step possible to ensure the protection of its people against the coronavirus.

President Aingimea said a quarantine area is being set up at public health.

“You will see lots of work happening there. We have toured certain areas at topside to see if there are places there feasible for quarantine purposes.”