Joint media release with The Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Australian Government has extended support to more flood affected areas of Victoria making the one-off, non-means tested Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment available for individuals across an additional 4 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child is now available to people who live in the Victorian LGAs of Gannawarra, Golden Plains, Northern Grampians and Wangaratta.
In Victoria, the assistance is already available to those in a further 20 LGAs who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.
Those LGAs are: Benalla, Boroondara, Buloke, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Corangamite, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Hepburn, Strathbogie, Loddon, Macedon Ranges, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Mitchell, Moonee Valley, Mount Alexander, Murrindindi, Pyrenees and Yarra.
Equivalent financial assistance will also be available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders) affected by the floods.
Claims can be made online through myGov, 24 hours a day. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Services Australia website.
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.
If people need additional support to claim, they can call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Multiple states are continuing to face a very serious flooding situation and we continue to work across all levels and all arms of government to make sure the right kind of supports are available.
These immediate payments will help with the urgent costs of disasters, like temporary accommodation, food and clothing.
We're continuing to work with the Victorian Government on other types of support, and extend the assistance to more areas as the full extent of the damage becomes apparent.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten
Many communities in south-eastern Australia are doing it tough right now, and this modest payment will ensure those impacted can meet their immediate needs.
Services Australia staff are working hard to deliver rapid payments and provide on-the-ground support.
People affected by the flooding can check their eligibility for Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment and Disaster Recovery Allowance on the Services Australia website at servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents, before lodging a claim for assistance.
I want to thank everyone, including the SES and emergency service workers, public servants and council workers, who have worked and are working so hard to keep everyone safe during recent flooding.
