Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
The Albanese Government continues to assist with recovery from the Northern Territory floods, with locals urged to check what assistance is available.
In collaboration with the Northern Territory Government, the Federal Government is continuing to support Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which were activated earlier in the month, and enable residents from Victoria Daly and West Daly to apply for personal hardship and distress payments, temporary accommodation assistance and emergency home repairs.
The assistance also provides rent relief for public housing tenants, personal and financial counselling and support for local councils to help with clean-up costs and the restoration of essential public assets.
Applications have also now opened for Victoria Daly residents for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) - a one-off payment of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.
The Government's Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) is also available to eligible employees or sole traders who work or live in the LGA of Victoria Daly Regional Council and West Daly. 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' and 'subclass 444' visas.
Minister for Government Services, Bill Shorten said Services Australia staff are also available at the Howard Springs National Resilience Centre to assist with applications.
"I'd encourage impacted Territorians to check their eligibility for disaster assistance on the Services Australia website."
"We're here to support those experiencing financial hardship as a result of the recent flooding.
"The AGDRP will help those affected pay for the things they need after suffering significant losses, while DRA will help people who've lost income."
Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said as homes and community infrastructure are restored and repaired, work was underway to repatriate people.
"Kalkarindji residents are starting to return home after almost a month's stay at the Australian Government's Centre for National Resilience at Howard Springs, and they can rest assured that we will continue to work tirelessly with all levels of government to help them face the challenges of rebuilding their homes and lives," Minister Watt said.
More information, including information about repatriation is available on the Secure NT website: securent.nt.gov.au/recover-from-an-emergency/march-2023-flooding
People can check funding eligibility and how to claim on the Services Australia website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents
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.
