Financial support extended for people affected by Victorian floods
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.
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.
The assistance is already available to those in the 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 LGAs 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) 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: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disasterevents
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 www.nema.gov.au
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
“This continues to be very serious situation across multiple states and we know that there may be more communities impacted by these flooding events over the coming days.
“We understand that people are doing it really tough at the moment and that’s why we’ve acted really quickly to get flood payments out the door to people to try to ease the financial and emotional impact of these disasters.
“As the full extent of the damage starts to become more apparent, we will keep working to provide assistance when it’s needed.”
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.”
Media contacts:
Tali Eley: 0499 770 772 (Minister Watt)
Antonia Magee: 0409 339 989 (Minister Shorten)