WA govt seeks increase in flood packages

The West Australian government misunderstood how much assistance could be granted to
its flood-hit farmers and businesses and has applied for more, the acting premier
says.
Farmers in Carnarvon, in the state's northwest, were angry when it was revealed
during a visit by Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week that they were receiving
$10,000 less than their counterparts in Queensland.
Under an agreement with the Queensland government, the federal government is
providing $25,000 in support grants to farmers and businesses affected by flooding.
Ms Gillard blamed the discrepancy on WA Premier Colin Barnett, saying he had only
requested assistance of up to $15,000 each for farmers and business owners.
On Monday, acting WA premier Kim Hames said the state government was under the
impression that according to the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements,
$15,000 was the most the state could seek.
As a result Dr Hames said he had written to the prime minister requesting the amount
be increased to $25,000 and was fairly certain it would be accepted.
"That's why we applied for the amount we were under the impression was available,"
he told reporters on Monday.
"We have been told that the prime minister, off her own bat, decided to increase the
money to Queensland to $25,000."
He said he was confident the prime minister would accept the request. However, the
commonwealth should have rectified the discrepancy earlier.
"I'm surprised they accepted WA asked for $15,000 and they were giving $25,000
somewhere else," he said.
"It tends to be the way in WA. We always seem to be the ones missing out on funds
available."