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Thursday, 9 February 2012
Page: 685

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements

(Question No. 1436)

Senator Humphries asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 8 November 2011:

With reference to the Prime Minister's joint media release of 17 October 2011 with the Acting Premier of Queensland, 'Queensland communities boosted by continued reconstruction investment':

(1) As the Minister who administers the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangement framework through the 'long standing natural disaster arrangements' referred to in this media release, where in the budget will the

'more than $1.1 billion' in funding announced for the Darling Downs and South West come from.

(2) Is this funding, that would have been provided anyway, under existing arrangements, or is this a new policy commitment.

(3) Will the Strengthening Grantham initiative be funded out of the department or elsewhere.

(4) Why was Grantham identified as requiring a special appropriation for this initiative and what role did the department play in identifying Grantham.

(5) Were any other sites identified as potential recipients of this kind of project; if so, which sites were considered and why were they rejected.

(6) Are there other towns across Australia that were identified as being worthy of this kind of relocation initiative; if so, does the Government intend to fund similar projects in other towns.

Senator Ludwig: The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The $1.1 billion announced on 17 October 2011 will be funded under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). NDRRA funding has been appropriated in the 2011-12 budget and forward estimates.

(2). The intent of the NDRRA is to support State and Territory governments in their relief and recovery efforts as well as provide financial assistance to restore essential public assets damaged by an event. This funding is not a new policy commitment.

(3) The Strengthening Grantham initiative will be funded under NDRRA. Funding has been appropriated in the 2011-12 budget and forward estimates.

(4) A special appropriation was not made for the Strengthening Grantham initiative. Funding was provided under the NDRRA. The Department played no role in identifying Grantham for the relocation initiative.

(5) The identification and promotion of disaster resilience projects is primarily the responsibility of the State and Territory governments. The Government has not received any other requests to fund similar projects in other towns under the NDRRA.

(6). Refer to answer for question 5.