Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Grants and funding arrangements

68

suitable funding source for the sustainable, long-term legal services they seek to

provide.463

5.101 NCOSS said that grants to social service organisations should be simplified and

that the current reimbursement model places a significant financial burden on

them.

464 The model also creates an administrative burden and redundant

operations if organisations have existing agreements with the Authority.465 In

practice, funding arrangements mean that social service organisations must make

significant organisational adjustments to adapt to the strict government disaster

support system. Aligning social service support and disaster support systems

would better serve communities.

466

5.102 The Committee heard that the Authority often does not consult with recovery

partners before applying for DRFA. This means that the designs of recovery

packages are not community-led and may not fully reflect the needs or outcomes

sought by communities or recovery partners. Australian Red Cross said there is

no clear or consistent mechanism for recovery partner proposals to be

considered in the initial design phase. Further, there are not always opportunities

to seek funding through later applications. A more consultative and structured

approach to recovery funding would enhance the work of recovery partners and

help to meet community needs.

467

5.103 Stakeholders told the Committee that there is a need for more disaster recovery

funding for social and community support. The majority of funding presently goes

towards infrastructure.

468

5.104 The Committee notes the concerns raised by social service organisations and

recognises the important role they play in recovery. The Committee encourages

the Authority to consider these issues as part of broader interjurisdictional

discussions about DRFA reforms.

Colvin Review

Recommendation 23

That the NSW Government continue to advocate to the Australian Government

through relevant intergovernmental forums for the implementation of the

recommendations of the Independent Review of Commonwealth Disaster

Funding (Colvin Review).

463 Submission 49, p 25; Submission 32, pp 4-5.

464 Submission 37, pp 5-6.

465 Submission 37, pp 5-6; Submission 49, p 25.

466 Submission 37, pp 6-7.

467 Submission 27, p 10.

468 Submission 22, p 5; Submission 37, p 6; Submission 25, p 5.