MPs voice anger as budget delay leaves refugee agency unable to pay

Disagreement erupted in parliament on Tuesday over the postponement of the equal burden distribution agency’s budget, with MPs warning that delays risk leaving beneficiaries unpaid for months as the legislature approaches dissolution ahead of the May elections.

The issue was examined by the House refugee committee following the referral of the agency’s budget law, particularly an amendment passed by parliament to utilise unallocated funds from the 0.4 per cent property transfer levy for refugee support.