MP spotted wearing surprising $380 item

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has turned heads at a morning press conference, debuting a pair of colourful kicks as she announced a major natural disaster development.

On Monday morning, Ms Plibersek donned a pair of brightly coloured New Balance sneakers as she announced a $236m investment from the Albanese government to improve flood infrastructure.

Her sneakers, which are listed for as much as $380 on sneaker website GOAT, were paired with a sky blue suit and white shirt.

Ms Plibersek is known to have a passion for stylish footwear, and reportedly has a pair of sneakers on display in a glass case in her office.

The funding, which will be invested over the next 10 years, is aimed at improving reliability and consistency of flood data, forecasts and warnings.

Queensland will be prioritised as the most at-risk state, with the state government already committing to share the ongoing cost of operations.

The extra money will go towards high priority catchment upgrades, which will help states prepare for and respond to flood emergencies.

Ms Plibersek said severe weather events are becoming more extreme and more frequent.

“The people of Queensland and Northern NSW especially know that from recent tragic experience,” she said.

“When these events occur, people need access to the best available information, in real time. Reliable flood warnings will help Australians prepare for moments of extreme weather.

“It will keep people safer as they happen. Being better prepared will – when the water recedes – help reduce the financial impact of flooding on families and businesses.”