Growing anger in flood zones prompts NSW government apology

Flood recovery minister announces changes to small business grants after thousands of applicants were rejected

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New South Wales flood recovery minister, Steph Cooke, has apologised for delays in getting relief money into flood-affected communities, while announcing changes to make it easier for small businesses to access grants.

The government has been criticised after Service NSW data revealed just 2,445 of the 15,335 applications for small business grants had been approved, with 6,500 rejected and another 5,000 held up while the government seeks more information from the applicant.

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