Joint media release with the Hon Catherine King MP, acting Minister for Emergency Management, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP
People in the Tasmanian local government area (LGA) of Glamorgan Spring Bay can now apply for the Albanese Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) following October's severe weather and flooding.
The Glamorgan Spring Bay Council will also be supported by joint Commonwealth-State assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to help repair the road network impacted by a landslide.
The DRA provides up to 13 weeks of federal income support to assist people who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. Equivalent financial assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens holding 'non-protected' Special Category Visas and subclass 444 visas.
The payment is now available in 18 Tasmanian LGAs: Break O'Day, Burnie, Central Coast, Central Highlands, Circular Head, Devonport, Dorset, Flinders, George Town, Glamorgan Spring Bay, Kentish, Latrobe, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, Waratah-Wynyard, West Coast and West Tamar.
More information about payment eligibility is available on the Services Australia website.
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
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 through Eastern Australia, visit National Emergency Management Agency.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Emergency Management, the Hon Catherine King:
The Disaster Recovery Allowance has been made available to help people to pay their bills, as work gets underway to repair the damaged roads so they can start getting to their workplaces again.
Lots of areas are still experiencing disruption and we are continuing to work closely with the Tasmanian Government during this recovery.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten, in relation to DRA:
The Australian government is continuing to ensure that critical financial support is made available as quickly as possible to flood-affected communities.
Services Australia staff are working hard to help people to access essential disaster assistance.
I encourage people to check their eligibility for payments on the Services Australia website.
