Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Extracts from minutes

102

available. Significant changes were also made to the upfront payment

available without proof of payment, reducing these from $25 000 to $5

000 which proved extremely challenging for farmers during this event.

[Insert footnote: Submission 47, pp. 9-10.]

Question put.

The Committee divided.

Ayes 4: Mr Barrett, Ms Higginson, Adj. Prof Smith and Mr Williamson.

Noes 2: Mr Barr and Ms Butler.

Question passed.

Resolved on the motion of Mr Barrett, seconded by Ms Butler: That a new finding be

inserted after Finding 6 to read:

The current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements application process has

proven overly bureaucratic, complex and time consuming, all at a time when

council efforts should be directed to recovery.

Resolved on the motion of Mr Barrett, seconded by Ms Butler: That recommendation

14 be amended by:

- inserting the words 'and increase' following the words 'consider

opportunities to improve'

- inserting the words 'and resources' following the words 'consistency of

guidance'.

Resolved on the motion of Mr Barrett, seconded by Ms Higginson: That a new finding

be inserted before recommendation 15 to read:

The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements category system is too

complicated and there is a lack of clarity on what can be claimed under each

category.

Resolved on the motion of Mr Barrett, seconded by Mr Williamson:

- That a new finding be inserted after recommendation 16 to read:

Many councils remain out of pocket for significant amounts of money,

owed to them through unpaid Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

and other recovery payments.

- That a new recommendation be inserted after recommendation 16 to read:

That the NSW Government work with the Australian Government to

ensure all monies still owed to councils for approved and completed

Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements-funded works be paid

immediately, so as to aid those local government areas in their recovery

and future resilience.

Resolved on the motion of Ms Butler, seconded by Ms Higginson: That Chapter Five

as amended stands as part of the report.

Resolved on the motion of Adj. Prof Smith, seconded by Ms Butler:

- That the draft report as amended be the report of the Committee and that it

be signed by the Chair and presented to the House.