Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard visited flooded areas on 31 December . The Queen of Australia , Elizabeth II , sent her expressions of concern and sympathy for the victims of the floods to her representative in Queensland , Governor Penelope Wensley . Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard toured flood-affected areas on 31 December , the day before the Queen of Australia , Elizabeth II , sent her expressions of concern and sympathy for the victims of the floods to her representative in Queensland , Governor Penelope Wensley .