The Federal Member for Hinkler David Batt MP is calling on the Albanese Labor Government to reverse the decision to slash disaster recovery funding to Queensland.
Under the current Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the Commonwealth may fund up to 75 per cent of the assistance available to individuals and communities.
The new proposal is to embed a 50/50 funding model.
Mr Batt is warning the plan will have serious consequences for communities right across Hinkler.
“Hervey Bay is still reeling after the impact of ex tropical cyclone Alfred in 2025 and Bundaberg is recovering from the March 2026 flood,” Mr Batt said.
“The change to the funding model is yet another example of a government that lacks transparency and honesty with Australians.
Labor has tried to sneak this through while Queenslanders are still reeling from repeated natural disasters.”
Mr Batt, a former Disaster Management Officer with Bundaberg Council, said the blow comes just months after hundreds of homes and businesses in Bundaberg were inundated by flood.
“Our community knows all too well the devastating impact of natural disasters, from major flooding events to severe weather, and cutting support will leave communities exposed. Disaster recovery funding is not a luxury, it is essential.
This is not just a budget decision, it’s a direct hit on hardworking families, small businesses and local councils who rely on this support to recover and rebuild.”
“Hinkler residents are resilient, but we should not have to fight our own government for the support we deserve after disasters.
This decision must be reversed, and it must be reversed now.”