Cyclone aid approved

Disaster relief will finally be on its way to Queensland farmers and small businesses affected by Cyclone Debbie, following a public slanging match between the state and federal governments.

The Queensland state government yesterday said it had completed all the paperwork necessary to secure federal relief grants. This will allow small businesses and not-for-profit organisations affected by the cyclone to apply A$25,000 in funding.

The move comes after a row between Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Queensland Deputy Premier Jackie Trad over the delay in getting funding.

Joyce complained before Easter that Queensland had not properly completed the paperwork associated with its submission for the grants, and told the state government to ‘‘get competent’’. Trad told Joyce to ‘‘stop acting like a child’’. for up