Joint media release with the Hon Catherine King MP, acting Minister for Emergency Management and the Hon Bill Shorten MP
Commonwealth financial disaster support has been extended to more areas of New South Wales following severe storms and flooding that continues to impact large areas of the state.
The one-off, non-means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available to residents in Balranald, Bourke, Cobar, Murrumbidgee, Weddin and Wentworth local government areas who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.
This brings the total number of New South Wales LGAs receiving this support from the Albanese Government for this event to 25.
Equivalent financial assistance is also available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.
The easiest way for eligible people to claim is online through myGov, which is 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 Monday to Friday.
People impacted by the floods can also pause or change their Centrelink debt repayments using the Money you owe service online in either their Centrelink online account, or Express Plus Centrelink mobile app. Alternatively, they can call 1800 076 072.
For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive flooding, visit the National Emergency Management Agency.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Emergency Management, the Hon Catherine King:
This has been a long and widespread flooding event, and we continue to add support for more regions as the full impacts of the damage are identified.
This extra support will help address immediate needs, and I'd encourage communities to check the websites for National Emergency Management Agency, Services Australia and Resilience NSW to see what other help is available for individuals and businesses.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten:
In the lead up to Christmas families and friends normally come together to celebrate, however many across New South Wales are instead supporting each other through the devastation these floods have caused.
I want people to know immediate support is available. Services Australia staff are working to process disaster claims quickly.
People can check their eligibility online at Natural disaster events before they lodge their claim.
