Cyclone Alfred has blown a $1.2 billion hole in the upcoming Australian federal budget, according to a warning from Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
The Government has announced an extension to the disaster recovery allowance and payments to impacted areas in Queensland and New South Wales.
Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Chalmers has claimed a significant amount will be used to rebuild the flood-impacted communities - and this is likely to leave an impact ahead of the upcoming federal election.
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