Prime Minister Julia Gillard has refused to budge on her controversial flood levy as the call for a longer-term solution to natural disasters gathers strength.
Independent Nick Xenophon has added his voice to the debate, criticising the levy as a "band-aid solution", and urging broader discussion on disaster response.
The government needs to have Senator Xenophon and other crossbenchers onside to get the flood levy legislation through parliament.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Ms Gillard says she remains open to the idea of discussing other long-term solutions with the independents .. but is otherwise unwilling to compromise saying she's determined to rebuild around the country.
With cabinet meeting later today, the prime minister's also rejected Opposition Leader Tony Abbott's predictions the levy could eventually cost her her job.
