A national emergency is unfolding in Queensland -- and escalating

With news of devastating flood waters affecting much of Queensland, our hearts go out to all those people who have lost loved ones, and whose homes, property and businesses have either been swept away or inundated by floodwaters.

The whole country is in a state of shock, disbelief and deep sympathy and sorrow. Meanwhile torrential rain continues to fall, walls of water threaten more homes and instead of subsiding, the situation is escalating.

Sitting in my office -- on Phillip Island -- I'm surrounded by the vast waters of Western Port Bay and Bass Strait. Heavy rain is falling, and I'm finding it difficult to think of anything else but water and the escalating emergency in Queensland. Nothing but a tsunami could flood Phillip Island.