Disaster review 'not about budget savings'

The federal government denies it intends using a review of natural disaster funding to find budget savings.

The yet-to-be-published Productivity Commission review needs to be tabled in parliament by May.

Some recommendations in a draft report, released in September, included a tougher threshold to trigger emergency payments, and cutting the Commonwealth's contribution to the states in return for increasing funding for preventative measures.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan, the federal minister responsible for natural disaster funding, rejected suggestions the government might use any of the review's final recommendations to look for savings to the government's stretched budget.

"It has never been about reducing the impact on the federal budget or reducing payments," he told ABC radio on Monday.

But Australia was a uniquely disaster-prone continent and billions of dollars in funding needed to be spent in the most effective way, he said.

Mr Keenan believes more needs to be spent on mitigation measures, noting that 97 per cent of funding was used for the after effects of disasters.

"Nobody, since I've come to this portfolio, has told me that they believe that is a sensible or effective arrangement."

The federal government is providing disaster relief payments for victims of the Sampson Flat fire in South Australia.

Families are eligible for a payment of up to $700 to help pay for food, clothing and other essential items.

Assistance is also available for emergency accommodation.