Cyclone-hit NT misses out on federal funds

The Northern Territory government hasn't yet spent enough on rebuilding communities following Cyclone Lam for commonwealth assistance to kick in.

Remote Arnhem Land communities thrashed by cyclones won't get federal money to help them rebuild unless the Northern Territory government fronts up more cash.

It's a warning from federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion, who says the NT hasn't spent enough to trigger the emergency relief funds sitting in a commonwealth pool.

Under joint government relief arrangements, states must hit a spending threshold before federal natural disaster assistance kicks in.


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