It is vital to start the recovery process as soon as possible, and a big part of that is ensuring we repair the state's infrastructure, which supports our local communities.

This funding will ensure that work can begin as soon as possible to repair the infrastructure, and that in turn will benefit the local economy and employees working to repair the damage.

The funding will prioritise the repair and rebuilding of vital infrastructure, such as roads, rail-lines, bridges, schools, health facilities and communications facilities, which have been damaged or destroyed in the bushfire crisis.

This money will provide an immediate source of funding to ensure key infrastructure is restored so that communities can get back to on their feet as soon as possible.

The bushfire season is far from over but we know how important it is for communities to start the recovery process.

With fires impacting communities all across the state, we know the task to repair the damage and rebuild communities is enormous, but one that we are committed to delivering.

NSW small businesses will be paid much faster by the NSW Government, with the number of days for payment to be slashed from 20 to five days.

Changes were first introduced a year ago to ensure registered small businesses were paid for goods and services, with invoices up to $1 million, within 20 calendar days.

From January 1, the number of days for payment has been reduced to five.

In the three months to September 2019, the NSW Government paid 98 per cent of invoices to registered small businesses within 20 calendar days and an impressive 96 per cent were paid within five business days.

Suppliers of goods and services under $10,000 can be paid instantly with a purchase card (PCard), a type of credit card used by NSW Government staff.

The Government is working hard to support small businesses and in turn cement NSW as one of the best places in the world to set up and run a small business.

Small businesses which supply to the NSW Government are paid faster than in any other state in Australia and put them on par with their counterparts in the United Kingdom.

Queensland will pay small businesses within 20 days from July 2020, and the Federal Government recently announced a commitment to pay e-invoices within five days from next year.

Late payment can harm business cash flow, hamper investment opportunities and in extreme cases can risk businesses' solvency.

Our faster payment commitment helps boost cash flows for small business operators and help them flourish.

As we all know, successful businesses create jobs and are essential to economic growth.

I also encourage big business (and local councils) to get on board and follow our lead in paying small businesses faster.