Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Grants and funding arrangements

50

5.19 Much of this complexity has been added to the process post a recent audit of the

2022 Emergency Relief Grants that saw additional requirements introduced for

primary producers to apply for grants 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.

309

The Authority should streamline grant processes

5.20 The Authority should consider opportunities to improve grant processes to better

support impacted communities as there are risks to community recovery if

money is not passed on quickly.

310

5.21 Ms Cara Varian, Chief Executive Office, NCOSS, argued that it costs the NSW

Government more money to try and repair things after they have been damaged

or people have been struggling without funds for longer.311 Ms Varian added

that:

Getting money out, there will be some breakage, or sometimes people will get

money that they may not be entitled to. But, largely, in these situations we see that

people are doing their best, and I think that there are even bigger risks that we don't

get the money out than making sure that there's a couple of people who got money

that they shouldn't have.

312

5.22 The Committee notes that the Authority should be guided by the NSW Grants

Administration Guide as part of a 'risk-based' approach to recovery grants. The

Guide advises that 'officials should determine the volume, detail and frequency

of reporting requirements proportional to the risks involved and the intended

policy outcomes'.

313 It also provides guidance about achieving value with relevant

money, including 'using processes and procedures proportional to the grant's

value and risk'.

314

5.23 Service NSW noted it has a strong collaborative relationship with the Authority.

They also advise that Service NSW are working on standardising grants processes

to speed up delivery more broadly.315 This will involve establishing a set of agreed

criteria, processes and technologies.316 Service NSW also noted that work on

enhancing efficiency in delivering grants has reduced delivery times from 8 weeks

in 2022 to around 7-9 days in 2025. This has been a result of establishing

standardised and repeatable digital and administrative processes.

317

309 Submission 47, pp 9-10.

310 Cara Varian, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), Transcript of evidence, 3 November

2025, p 14.

311 Cara Varian, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 14.

312 Cara Varian, Transcript of evidence, 3 November 2025, p 14.

313 NSW Government, Grants Administration Guide, March 2024, p 22.

314 NSW Government, Grants Administration Guide, March 2024, p 23.

315 Greg Wells, Managing Director, Service NSW, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 25; Service NSW,

Answers to supplementary questions, 25 March 2026, p 5.

316 Greg Wells, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 25.

317 Service NSW, Answers to supplementary questions, 25 March 2026, p 5.