Joint Media release with the Hon Bill Shorten MP
More federal flood assistance will be rolled out in Western Australia, as floodwaters from ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie continue to impact the north.
From 11am AWST/2pm AEDT today, residents in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley can receive the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment.
Residents of who have suffered a significant loss as a result of the flooding can apply for the non-means tested one-off payment of $1000 per adult and $400 per child.
Additional previously announced support for flood-impacted areas includes:
- Disaster Recovery Allowance: employees or sole traders who work or live in Derby/West Kimberley, Broome, Halls Creek or Wyndham East Kimberley LGAs and have lost work due to the disaster can apply for a 13-week income support payment through Services Australia.
- Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements: joint funding from the McGowan Government and Albanese Government for the local government areas of Derby/West Kimberley, Broome, Halls Creek or Wyndham East Kimberley LGAs. Funding includes support for individuals to replace essential household contents, temporary accommodation, freight subsidies for farmers, loans for small businesses and financial support to help Councils clean up and repair roads and other essential infrastructure.
Eligible people can claim payments online through myGov, or by calling the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66, between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Services Australia are also assisting people face-to-face in Fitzroy Crossing.
Information about where to find Services Australia staff is available at Services Australia: Where to find us
People impacted by this disaster 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.
Information about disaster payments, including eligibility and how to apply, is available at Services Australia: Natural disaster events.
To find out what assistance is being provided by the West Australian Government, including Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, visit Kimberley floods.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
We recognise this ongoing flood emergency has had a significant financial and emotional toll on communities, which is why we've worked around the clock with the WA Government to roll out assistance as quickly as possible.
It's obviously challenging when the flood water is still high, but as we receive more impact data about the damage, we will continue to look at expanding assistance.
The Albanese Government is supporting the WA flood response and isolated communities, from helping with evacuations to facilitating the delivery of supplies.
All levels of government are committed to ensuring the assistance provided is fit for purpose and makes its way to communities as quickly as possible.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten:
This one-off Disaster Recovery Payment is available to help relieve immediate financial pressures for people who have been seriously affected by these devastating floods.
Services Australia staff are still on the ground in Fitzroy Crossing and can assist people to claim these disaster payments.
Remote servicing teams are also available to provide information in-language or link people with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island language services.
