FED:Xenophon hopeful on flood levy talks

AAP General News (Australia)
02-21-2011
FED:Xenophon hopeful on flood levy talks

CANBERRA, Feb 21 AAP - The senator whose vote Labor needs for its controversial flood
levy says he is encouraged by government comments regarding his proposal to force states
to take out insurance against natural disasters.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon is hopeful there will be progress "in the next couple of days".

The government needs the senator's vote to secure the passage of the $1.8 billion taxpayer
levy through parliament.

On Sunday, federal Treasurer Wayne Swan said the senator's concerns were "perfectly reasonable".

"I'm very …