Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Review of the operations of the NSW Reconstruction Authority

Grants and funding arrangements

70

5.108 Mr Graham said the Authority is not privy to the timing of when decisions will be

made to reform the DRFA.478 However, the Authority said that it advocates for

reform to DRFA and is involved in regular policy discussions with NEMA.479

5.109 The Authority also said that it undertakes regular policy reviews and is

considering the extent to which the disaster recovery framework in NSW remains

fit for purpose and where improvements can be made. The Colvin Review has

been considered as part of these reviews.

480

5.110 In line with the findings of the Colvin Review, the Authority notes that it

experiences challenges with ensuring that disaster support to cross-border

communities under the DRFA is consistent. The Authority said this reinforces the

need for place-based approaches to recovery.

481

5.111 The Authority also said that it is committed to ensuring its policies reflect and

guide best practice approaches to disaster response, such as the Disaster

Assistance Guidelines, the NSW State Disaster Mitigation Plan, and Disaster

Adaptation Plans.482 The agency said the delivery of the Resilient Homes Program

is a practical example of its investment in disaster risk reduction and long-term

resilience, consistent with principle 2 of the Colvin Review.483

5.112 The Committee strongly believes reform of DRFA is urgently needed. We

recognise the challenge facing the Authority in implementing recommendations

of the Colvin Review in the absence of a formal Australian Government response

to the Review.

5.113 The Committee is pleased to hear that the Authority is working to improve

disaster funding in NSW and making improvements to its implementation where

possible. The Committee recommends that the NSW Government continue to

advocate to the Australian Government through relevant intergovernmental

forums for the implementation of the recommendations of the Colvin Review.

This advocacy needs to be treated with the utmost of urgency, so that local

stakeholders responsible for undertaking recovery, mitigation and betterment

work are financially supported in improving outcomes for their communities.

478 Andrew Graham, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 33.

479 Andrew Graham, Transcript of evidence, 20 February 2026, p 33; NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to

supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, p 15.

480 NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, p 16.

481 NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, pp 13-14.

482 NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, pp 16-17.

483 NSW Reconstruction Authority, Answers to supplementary questions, 30 March 2026, p 16.