Environment Minister James Griffin was asked at a budget estimates hearing on Tuesday about the absence of five NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service helicopters from the unfolding crisis.
None of the aircraft had been deployed to help in the unparalleled flood disaster gripping the Northern Rivers region.
Some 34,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes and and another 310,000 have been warned to be ready to flee, as the crisis worsens on Tuesday.
NPWS officials said they did not know what the helicopter fleet was being used for, with the hearing told the aircraft could be "sitting on the tarmac".
"There are clearly government assets that are available and I' am a little bit bemused about why they're they haven't been asked to assist," Labor's Penny Sharp put to Mr Griffin.
"Any and all resources available if requested, we'll do what we humanly can to make them available to support the efforts of flood recovery, and the issues that are unfolding there right now," the minister replied.
"It goes without saying that any opportunity for my particular portfolio to assist with the challenges the northern rivers community are facing, we will happily do so."
Labor's Walt Secord urged a more proactive approach from government, saying it should be "all hands on deck".
"You have five helicopters. Wouldn't it have been a good idea to fly them to the north coast to rescue people," he asked the minister.
Mr Griffin, in response, said a "co-ordinated approach" to the rescue effort was needed and that if he was asked to help he would "absolutely do that".
The hearing was also told the NPWS had 125 staff with firefighting training who could be sent to help in rescue efforts in the state's north.
"Their skills I think are valuable," Ms Sharp said.
As the flood emergency worsens, State Emergency Services Commissioner Carlene York is co-ordinating a multi-agency response that includes the ADF, NSW Fire and Rescue, police and ambulance.
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