Natural disaster funding totalling $1 billion has been withheld by two years in a hidden Budget decision the State Government says leaves an unexpected hole in its coffers.

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad last night attacked the “outrageous delay” as the Budget gem was uncovered in a Senate Budget Estimates grilling.

But the Turnbull Government hit back, saying it had to properly audit the state’s claim in case it was trying to pull a swifty on federal taxpayers.

“This outrageous delay for spurious reasons undermines confidence in the entire NDRRA and could mean ­delays to reconstruction after ­future natural disaster events,” the Deputy Premier said.

Ms Trad said Queensland had put in paperwork early and the money had been set aside in the Mid-Year Economic Outlook published in December.

But a spokeswoman for Justice Minister Michael Keenan, who is responsible for the scheme, said while the money was still budgeted for, the Government had to complete an audit of the funds first. To read more click here.

Commissioner Jonathan Coppel, Productivity Commissioner – Natural Disaster Funding, Productivity Commission and Commissioner Katarina Carroll, Commissioner, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will be speaking at the 5th Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference being held at Jupiters Gold Coast next week 30-31 May 2016. The Conference theme ‘EARTH, FIRE and RAIN’ will continue to examine issues that impact preparedness, resilience, response and capability. CLICK to view the program.

There is still time to register for the conference CLICK HERE to register your attendance.

Delegates may also wish to attend the 2016 Australian and New Zealand Search and Rescue Conference (ANZSAR); Land, Sea & Air which will follow the Disaster and Emergency Management Conference on 1st June discussing the issues and challenges in Search and Rescue and continue the support of professional development in new training, techniques and requirements.

Special discount rates are being offered to those that wish to attend both Conferences.

The two Conferences have come together to form a partnership by aligning the dates of the events, offering the two industries the most significant Conferences on the 2016 calendar offering an extensive program incorporating over 120 industry speakers, an all-encompassing exhibition and networking opportunities across the 3 days.