Government pledges $2 billion for bushfire recovery fund
The federal government has pledged $2 billion to a bushfire recovery fund to help Australians rebuild.
24 people have been confirmed dead and hundreds of properties are thought to have been lost in catastrophic bushfires that continue to rage across the country.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the government will contribute at least $2 billion over two years to the National Bushfire Recovery Fund.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says they have pledged the money on top of already-existing funding.
“It’s important to understand that this is in addition to the existing mechanisms and the existing recovery payments and allowances that the government has underway, where money is already making its way into the pockets of those who are affected.
“This $2 billion will go towards supporting small businesses, local councils, mental health support projects, economic and social infrastructure… as well as important wildlife protection.”
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