Bushfire funding test
Bushfire funding test
18 May 2013
published by www.abc.net.au
Australia — Tasmania’s bushfire recovery fund has revealed its latest distribution of money will be income tested.
The Bushfire Appeal Distribution Committee is offering grants worth up to $10,000 per household to help with urgent house repairs, moving damaged vegetation and other costs.
The $2.6 million instalment will be the final stage of funding rolled out from the $9 million raised through the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.
The remaining $1.5 million will be set aside for at least 12 months to address long-term needs.
Committee Chairwoman Pat Leary says the funding will only be available to people who can prove they’re facing financial hardship.
“It may appear to be a bit intrusive, but it’s like everything else,”
“This is public money in as much as it’s a fund that’s administered under certain legislation. And the money has to be given to the people it was set up to be given to.”
Eligibility will be be determined though face-to-face interviews with representatives from the Bushfire Recovery Unit.
“I’m advised that the testing is less onerous than it is to apply for a credit card,” Ms Leary said.
“But there has to be some governance of the application of the distribution on the money.”
