People unable to work in Western Australia and the Northern Territory due to the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie are now able to apply for short-term income support.
The Australian Government-funded Disaster Recovery Allowance has been activated for the local government areas of Victoria Daly in the Northern Territory and Broome, Derby West Kimberley, Halls Creek and Wyndham East Kimberley in Western Australia.
The taxable, fortnightly payment of up to 13 weeks assists eligible employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.
The easiest way for eligible people to claim is online through myGov, available 24 hours a day. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit Natural disaster events.
If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66 from 8am to 5pm local time, Monday to Friday.
For information on the assistance available to Northern Territory and Western Australian communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie, visit Disaster Assist.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten
These events are devastating for communities. Disaster Recovery Allowance is available to help relieve the immediate financial pressures people in affected areas are facing right now.
Services Australia staff are well prepared to respond to disaster events. While there are already some staff on the ground, more are ready for deployment to affected communities as soon as it's safe to do so.
Remote servicing teams are available to provide in-language information for remote communities, or link people with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island language services.
For those with internet and impacted, we strongly encourage you to check your eligibility for a payment online at Natural disaster events.
The easiest way to claim is online. People without internet who can access a phone should call 180 22 66 between 8 am and 5 pm local time, Monday to Friday.
Services Australia staff will also be providing face to face service at the Evacuation Centre at Fitzroy Crossing.
I've spoken with Services Australia staff that are on the ground in Fitzroy Crossing and are working around the clock to get communities the supports they need.
I want to say thank you to all staff and give special mention to Zara (along with plenty of great people) who have been putting in 110%.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
We recognise the wide-ranging impacts these extreme weather events are having and the toll they're taking on people whose homes and livelihoods have been disrupted.
We are standing shoulder to shoulder with every community impacted by these disasters, regardless of where in Australia the country they are.
We have put resources in place to keep a close eye on the ongoing impacts of these storms and floods, and to respond quickly and in partnership with the respective governments as needs are identified.
