Queensland mayors urge federal government to scrap proposed 50-50 disaster funding split

In June, the Australian government announced a shift in the Disaster Recovery Framework that would lower its share from 64% to an even 50-50 split with state authorities. Reacting to the proposal, every mayor in Queensland signed a letter, supported by industry bodies including the Queensland Farmers' Federation, Q Shelter, Volunteering Queensland, RACQ and the Local Government Association of Queensland, urging the Commonwealth to reverse the plan.

Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, warning that the cut would compel councils to choose which assets not to rebuild, increase insurance premiums and strain community safety. Premier David Crisafulli echoed these concerns at a press conference on weather outlook and preparedness. The federal government maintains the changes would make funding faster and less bureaucratic, and a working group led by Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain is consulting with councils nationwide. No immediate changes to funding for the upcoming disaster season are expected until the consultation concludes.