The Hon Michael Keenan MP
The Coalition Government has moved swiftly to ensure Queensland flood victims receive the financial help they need, with nearly $24 million in disaster relief already paid out to affected residents.
Claims for disaster payments continue to grow since they were activated on Tuesday, and the Department of Human Services has granted around 20,000 claims for the $1000 Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).
Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation Michael Keenan said the department's staff were hard at work making sure support was going to the people who need it most.
"We've answered more than 30,000 calls from people who are claiming disaster assistance payments," Minister Keenan said.
"Calling is the fastest way to claim. We have about 1000 people staffing our dedicated phone line and we've been able to process most claims on the spot.
"People have until August 3, 2019, to make a claim, however we know most people who are significantly affected by the floods are claiming now to get urgent financial assistance.
"With that in mind, the department's 180 22 66 phone line remains open over the weekend, and people can call between 10 am to 2 pm on both Saturday and Sunday."
The payments are for eligible people living in Burdekin, Cook, Douglas, Townsville or Wujal Wujal local government areas.
To claim disaster assistance payments call 180 22 66 or visit humanservices.gov.au/disaster for more information.
