The promise made by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison of a compensation package for volunteer rural firefighters has fallen short of the expectations it raised, even in the eyes of some MPs.

Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, says when the eligibility criteria was announced this week, he contacted Emergency Services Minister, David Littleproud’s office to raise the issue of … “managing the expectations raised by what was promised”.

“I’ve asked to be kept regularly informed of how many successful claims have been made by volunteer rural firefighters and SES members from my electorate,” Mr Buchholz said last night.

“If the money allocated to the compensation package isn’t all taken up, then I’ll be strongly pursuing a second round with a relaxation of the guidelines.”

Mr Buchholz added that this fire season was one of “exceptional circumstances”.

“We need to make sure that if there is a second round, the self employed farmers and graziers have a chance to meet the eligibility criteria.”