Joint media release with the Hon Katy Gallagher
The Albanese Government is activating financial assistance through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) for communities impacted by the recent floods in the Northern Territory.
From 2:00pm local time on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, the AGDRP will be available for eligible people in the local government area of Katherine and the following locations: Wugular (Beswick), Berry Springs, Darwin River, Nauiyu, and Nganmarriyanga (Palumpa).
AGDRP is available for people who have been directly impacted by the floods. This includes major damage to their home, serious injury, or loss of a loved one as a result of the floods. It's a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child.
Impact assessments are undertaken by emergency management agencies as locations are safe to access. Those impact assessments allow the Australian Government to activate additional support for those communities.
These payments are on top of the other recovery assistance that has been activated under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to help households and councils.
People can check their eligibility for AGDRP on the Services Australia website.
The quickest way to claim AGDRP is online through myGov.
If people need help to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
To change or pause Centrelink debt repayments, affected people can do so online or in the mobile app (through the Money You Owe service), or by calling 1800 076 072.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services Katy Gallagher:
"Our thoughts are with the communities in the Northern Territory who are dealing with the impact and damage of these devastating floods.
"Services Australia is ready to assist people with claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
"I encourage people to check their eligibility for disaster payments on the Services Australia website. Claims will be open from 2pm local time on Wednesday."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
"After visiting Katherine late last week, I saw firsthand the damage, but also the incredible community resilience on display, with many community members who had been impacted themselves volunteering to support others.
"This is going to be a long recovery, and I want those communities who have been impacted to know the Albanese Government stands behind you.
"We will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Government to enact further support as this event continues to move from response to recovery."
