Australian states will see more financial support from the Federal Government to speed up recovery efforts and help communities recovering from bushfires.
Bushfire recovery grants are causing a large administrative load which state governments are struggling to keep up with. National Bushfire Recovery agency figures show that a mere 20 no-interest loans have been approved, of the 196 applications received.
The Federal Cabinet will consider a number of options on Tuesday, including broadening the criteria for the grants and loan scheme and sending in Commonwealth workers to help state agencies process applications.