The charity has been criticised for committing only $30 million of the $115 million raised for immediate support to affected communities. 9News
The Red Cross has denied claims it is holding back donations for bushfire victims to save the money for future disasters.
"I'm happy to clarify we are not stockpiling - the balance of the funds is for the bushfires," Mr Clement told"We have allocated funds to support our teams on the ground. We have been raising money since July and we have been supporting over 60,000 people since September. The Red Cross said it had already handed out over 700 grants worth $10,000 and was working through new applications for assistance as quickly as possible."Understandably, some people are having trouble in the field being unable to give us the basic information we are asking for to make sure we are protecting against fraud.
Mr Clement said $5 million of the funds had been given to support the Red Cross teams on the ground, with further money needed to be spent on "administrative costs". Tiffany Williamson walks through her parent's burnt out property in Tingha in northern New South Wales. "We want to ensure people have support as they need it," he said.
"The money is needed now, not sitting in a Red Cross bank account earning interest so they can map out their next three years and do their marketing," he said at a press conference on Wednesday.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cash to Burn: Red Cross 'drip-feeding' fire relief donations | Sky News AustraliaThe Red Cross has rejected claims it is only committed to handing out a third of $95 million in bushfire relief donations and saving the rest for future disasters. \n\nJust $30 million of total donations has reportedly been doled out to bushfire-ravaged communities. \n\nNew South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance accused the charity of 'welfare bureaucracy' and seizing an 'opportunity for them to grow their organisations'. \n\nThe charity promised transparency and insisted all efforts were being directed to the crisis. \n\nImage: News Corp Australia\n\n
Read more »
Fibre evidence 'missing' as accused Claremont serial killer defence raises cross-contamination concernsA police officer admits touching Ciara Glennon's hand at her bush grave while trying to take evidence samples.
Read more »
Hundreds of Central American migrants cross border river into MexicoCentral American migrants wade across the Suchiate River into southern Mexico in a new test of Donald Trump's strategy to keep them away from the US border.
Read more »
Detail you missed in Renée Zellweger’s red carpet gownShe's been a style icon in Hollywood for years, but there’s one thing about her gowns you’ve probably never noticed.
Read more »
Serena red-faced after TV ambushSerena Williams was forced to watch on in horror as a ghost from Instagram past came back to bite her following her impressive second round win at the Australian Open on Wednesday night.
Read more »
‘Apocalyptic’ storm turns sky blood red over South Australian townsPictures show the sky has turned blood red over a number of South Australian and Victorian towns as a major dust storm sweeps through.
Read more »