The NSW Deputy Premier has accused the federal government of going “missing in action” on flood support funding as the state prepared to announce a new $120m grant for victims.
The state government said the new $112m Back Home scheme, designed to help uninsured residents repair their homes, had been in the works for two weeks but the federal government delayed the process by declining to contribute to costs.
“The federal government has gone missing in action,” Deputy Premier Paul Toole told NCA NewsWire.
“We’re disappointed they called for this funding but haven’t come to the table to assist all of these communities who need this support to get back into their homes.”
The federal government has previously contributed to flood support funding worth more than $1bn.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in his budget speech last week the total cost of flood support for NSW and Queensland communities would likely exceed $6bn.
The Back Home scheme will provide up to $20,000 to residents whose homes have been destroyed in the floods and who cannot make insurance claims.
Eligible residents in the council areas of Hawkesbury, Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed will be able to use the money to clean up and repair their homes.
NSW officials believe homeowners will need more than $20,000 each but said thxjmtzywe grant was “a start” and they hoped the federal government would step up and match the funding.
Mr Perrottet returned to work on Monday after a period of paternity leave and has travelled to Lismore to survey the flood damage there.
The Premier and the Deputy Premier are scheduled to hold a press conference later in the afternoon.
