Hon Neil Thomson raises concerns about the eligibility of small businesses for state assistance following Cyclone Narelle. The Premier, through Hon Stephen Dawson, acknowledges the issue and states that DFES is working with partners to develop and implement appropriate financial assistance measures, including for small businesses, citing existing funds and packages.

AnsweredQoN 374Legislative Council
Asked
13 May 2026
Portfolio
Premier

QuestionView source ↗

Cyclone Narelle374.Hon Neil Thomsonto
theLeader of the House representing the Premier:I refer to concerns
about eligibility under the state assistance given in response to Cyclone
Narelle.(1) Is the Premier aware of the number of
small businesses ineligible for assistance?(2) What is the Premier doing to rectify
the situation?Hon Stephen Dawson
replied:I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.(1)–(2) Yes. The Department of Fire and Emergency
Services (DFES) continues to work with all recovery partners and local
governments to understand current and emerging recovery needs, as well as to develop
and implement appropriate financial assistance measures, including for small
businesses. A range of assistance has been announced, including the Premier's
Natural Disaster Recovery Fund, the tourism business support package and
disaster recovery funding arrangements for small businesses.
Cyclone Narelle
374.Hon Neil Thomsonto
theLeader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to concerns
about eligibility under the state assistance given in response to Cyclone
Narelle.
(1) Is the Premier aware of the number of
small businesses ineligible for assistance?
(2) What is the Premier doing to rectify
the situation?
Hon Stephen Dawson
replied:
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) Yes. The Department of Fire and Emergency
Services (DFES) continues to work with all recovery partners and local
governments to understand current and emerging recovery needs, as well as to develop
and implement appropriate financial assistance measures, including for small
businesses. A range of assistance has been announced, including the Premier's
Natural Disaster Recovery Fund, the tourism business support package and
disaster recovery funding arrangements for small businesses.

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(2) Yes. The Department of Fire and Emergency
Services (DFES) continues to work with all recovery partners and local
governments to understand current and emerging recovery needs, as well as to develop
and implement appropriate financial assistance measures, including for small
businesses. A range of assistance has been announced, including the Premier's
Natural Disaster Recovery Fund, the tourism business support package and
disaster recovery funding arrangements for small businesses.

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more