The Federal Government is expected to spend $1 billion to help support people in bushfire affected areas by June, doubling the amount that was originally committed to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Bushfire Recovery Agency in the current financial year.
Minister Littleproud thanked the head of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Bushfire Recovery Agency Andrew Colvin for coordinating the response.
“The Federal Government stood shoulder to shoulder with these communities through the initial response phase and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with them through the recovery phase,” Minister Littleproud said.
“New figures today shows the Federal Government has already spent $569.1 million on bushfire recovery.
“This should not to be confused with a figure Labor is circulating that originates from March.
Now is not the time for politics, the focus needs to remain on the delivery of funds to bushfire affected communities.
“Now is the time to come together and help these areas recover, to rebuild lives and livelihoods.
“This was always going to be a long term project but it is remarkable how quickly the money from the Bushfire Recovery Fund has become available.
“The agency will continue to work with communities and with the states to help them deliver the recovery programs.
“This locally led bushfire recovery is giving local groups a voice, local tradies work and local businesses a shot in the arm.
“This critical assistance is helping people get back on their feet and supporting local farmers and small businesses.”
