Federal Government U-Turns on Disaster Recovery Funding Amid Council Backlash
The federal government has abandoned its proposed changes to disaster recovery funding following pushback from states and councils. The changes would have seen the federal government contribute 50 per cent to disaster recovery efforts, down from up to 75 per cent in some areas.
Federal Government U-Turns on Disaster Recovery Funding Amid Council Backlash
The federal government has reversed its decision to reform disaster recovery funding, following intense criticism from state and local councils. The proposed changes, announced in June, would have seen the federal government contribute 50 per cent to disaster recovery efforts, down from up to 75 per cent in some areas.
Queensland to Benefit from Maintained Funding
Queensland would have been disproportionately affected by the changes, with the state set to receive $1.3 billion under the current framework in 2024-25. Queensland's disaster recovery minister, Ann Leahy, had written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, urging him to reconsider the proposed changes. The letter, signed by all Queensland mayors and peak industry groups, warned that the changes would leave communities to fund the shortfall.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed today that the federal government would maintain its current cost-sharing arrangements.