Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Grants and funding arrangements

48

5.9 Disaster preparedness and recovery planning must be built with vulnerable

cohorts in mind. The current level of assistance provided does not appear

sufficient for those that face higher financial risks, combined with other complex

needs such as homelessness and or a disability. Eligibility process for such grants

should be revised in consultation with stakeholders familiar with the specific

needs of vulnerable communities, which would ultimately benefit all persons

seeking disaster assistance.

Grants do not meet the needs of those with disability and carers

5.10 Stakeholders highlighted that grants do not meet the needs of those with

disability and those that depend on carers.

293

5.11 Carers and the people they care for may need special allowances in order to meet

the specific needs of individuals following disasters, such as securing equipment

or medication. Current grants do not provide sufficient support to meet these

needs.

294 Co-design of grants with peak organisations and the communities they

represent will ensure grants provide adequate assistance to these vulnerable

populations during disasters.

295

Issues around the timing of grants

5.12 The Committee heard issues with the timing of grants were a cause of frustration

and uncertainty in the community.296 Stakeholders also told the Committee

about applicants experiencing delays in receiving payment.297

5.13 As noted in Chapter Three, stakeholders identified that certain funding packages

were announced after the closure of Recovery Centres following the May 2025

East Coast severe weather event. This meant that residents could not easily

access in-person support for making applications.

298

5.14 Residents from impacted areas were initially deemed ineligible for financial

support due to the geographic boundaries set by the Authority. These residents

only became eligible for grants weeks after the event.

299 The Committee notes

that improved consultation with local stakeholders on locality names and

geographical boundaries would help avoid similar issues for future disaster

events.300

293 Bastien Wallace, Senior Policy Officer, People with Disability Australia (PWDA), Transcript of evidence, 3

November 2025, p 26; Sharon Gudu, Chief Executive Officer, Carers NSW Australia, Transcript of evidence, 3

November 2025, pp 22, 25.

294 Sharon Gudu, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 25.

295 Sharon Gudu, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 25; Bastien Wallace, Transcript of evidence, 3

November 2025, p 25.

296 Submission 32, p 2; Submission 26, pp 2-3; Submission 18, p 4.

297 Submission 18, p 4; Submission 26, p 2; Submission 32, p 2; Submission 15, Mathew Fawcett, p 1.

298 Submission 26, p 2; Submission 49, p 16.

299 Submission 32, p 2; Submission 26, p 2; Submission 15, p 1.

300 Submission 32, pp 2-3.