Joint media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
Federal assistance is now available in another five Victorian local government areas (LGAs) affected by ongoing flooding.
The LGAs of Cardinia, Melton, South Gippsland and West Wimmera can now apply for:
- Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) - up to 13 weeks of federal income support for employees and sole traders who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster.
- Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) - joint Commonwealth-State support. Assistance is available for primary producers who have been directly affected, including freight subsidies and low interest concessional loans. Local councils can claim expenses for early relief and recovery activities, including the establishment and operation of a Relief Centre. The assistance can also cover the removal of debris from residential properties to make them safe and habitable, emergency and reconstruction costs to restore essential public assets.
The LGA of Mildura can now apply for:
- The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) - a one-off, non-means tested payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child available to people who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the floods, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or a serious injury.
This extension brings the total number of Victorian areas eligible for the DRA and DRFA to 64. The AGDRP is now available in 29 LGAs.
Equivalent financial assistance is available to eligible New Zealand citizens ('non-protected' Special Category Visas, subclass 444 holders).
Support is now available, and more information about payment eligibility is available on the Services Australia website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents.
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 www.nema.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
Victorians won't be on their own as they face this long and complex recovery - the Albanese and Victorian governments will stand with them every step of the way
We have worked closely with the Victorian Government to provide a range of supports for individuals, primary producers, councils, and will continue to look at what else is required.
This latest tranche of assistance will help families pay the bills while they can't work, and meet urgent needs like food and clothing.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten, in relation to DRA and AGDRP:
The floods have taken a devastating toll on the Victorian community, and we are ensuring vital financial support is available for those impacted.
Services Australia staff are working hard to deliver payments as quickly as possible.
I encourage Victorians who have been impacted by these floods to check their eligibility for payment on the Services Australia website.
