James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Before any reconsideration of category D funding by the Prime Minister, the government requires further information from Queensland. We are yet to receive that advice, and we call on the Queensland government to supply this information as soon as possible. It is important to note, however, that the coalition government is already funding 75 per cent of Cyclone Debbie's damage bill, currently estimated to amount to $683 million, and it has provided more than $16.8 million to individuals through Commonwealth-only disaster payments. Our disaster arrangements exist to alleviate damage caused as a direct result of a disaster, not fund new large-scale infrastructure projects. We have a responsibility to Australian taxpayers to ensure these vital funds are used appropriately.

Question agreed to.