Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) has been extended to the New South Wales local government areas (LGAs) of Cabonne, Dubbo, Parkes and Walgett as severe storms and flooding continue to impact large areas of the state.
The one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child is now available to eligible people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home, or a serious injury. Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov. Information about payment eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Services Australia website.
If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
The extension brings the total number of NSW LGAs to 14, with the payment already available to residents in the LGAs of Cootamundra-Gundagai, Forbes, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Murray River, Narrabri, Snowy Valleys, Upper Lachlan and Wagga Wagga..
For information on all the assistance the Australian and respective state governments have made available to individuals, businesses and councils following the extensive recent flooding throughout Eastern Australia, visit NEMA.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:
The Albanese Government is continuing to make more support available as conditions change and the full extent of the damage is realised.
This severe weather has been widespread and devastating, and we continue to listen to what's needed locally as the situation progresses.
This support will help communities tackle immediate needs like food and clothing and complements assistance already available in the area, including 13-week income support for workers and sole business operators, and the jointly funded Commonwealth and state government grants of $75,000 for primary producers, $10,000 grants for rural landholders, and clean up assistance for local councils.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten:
This financial support, made available by the Commonwealth, is designed to ensure people have money available to meet their immediate needs.
The priority of Services Australia staff is to help people access essential disaster assistance and to make payments available as soon as possible.
If you've been impacted by these floods, I encourage you to check your eligibility for these payments and where to find Services Australia staff in your community at Services Australia
